The World Cup semifinals begin with defending World Cup finalists France vs Spain, the defending European champions. Our panelists offer their preview and predictions for this highly anticipated match.
France vs Spain (Tuesday July 14th in Dallas)
Steen Kirby: Two extremely talented teams who have taken a different path to this 2026 World Cup semifinal. Spain has battled with a 1-0 scoreline over Portugal, and a 2-1 scoreline over Belgium in the last two games, both matches featured late winners as Mikel Merino was the substitute difference maker. France was stymied by Paraguay, but found a much easier path in the quarterfinals against Morocco, who failed to create much in the way of chances. France has the most dominant attack in world football and Kylian Mbappe is on song for his country. Spain are the best defensive team in this tournament and are good at dictating possession, though their attack has been limited at times when Lamine Yamal isn’t firing.
Spain have made a nice run, but it feels unlikely they can overcome the French attack here in what could be another nip and tuckle battle, the type of game we’ve seen a lot this World Cup.
Prediction: France 1-0
Barry Dixon:
The first 2026 World Cup semi-final is upon us, and it pits two of the big powerhouses in the sport against each other, with many believing that whoever wins this game will go on to lift the trophy.
The French will begin the game as slight favourites due to their superior firepower; however, never rule out the Spanish and their form over the past two years, winning 27 and drawing nine is their longest ever unbeaten run.
Les Bleus have had a trouble-free route to the semi-final, winning all of their games and scoring 16 goals in the process, conceding just two. Spain, meanwhile, have had it a little more stressful. A 0-0 draw with Cape Verde in the group stage and needing 90th- and 88th-minute winners in the last 16 and quarterfinals have shown that they have not hit top gear yet.
This is set to be France’s toughest test so far, as the Spanish will not allow them to play the game on their terms and will attempt to dictate the pace of the game; however, keeping Mbappe and co at bay for a whole game could prove impossible, and Spain may have to hope that star forward Lamine Yamal shows what he can do when it matters most.
Prediction: 2-2 after extra time. Spain to win on penalties.
