This could well have been the final — and few would have complained. Two of the best teams of the tournament, France and Spain, will instead meet in a blockbuster World Cup semi-final that carries the weight and intensity of the showpiece itself. Having lived up to every expectation on their respective journeys to Dallas, both sides now stand just one victory away from the ultimate prize.
The World Cup semi-final stage begin tonight (Wednesday BST) at Dallas Stadium in Arlington. A place in the final is at stake, but for France the stakes are even higher. Victory would propel Didier Deschamps’ side into a third successive World Cup final — a feat achieved by only Brazil (1994-2002) in the modern era and matched among European nations solely by West Germany. It would also mark a fifth final appearance in eight tournaments, underlining one of the most dominant periods in World Cup history.
Yet standing in their way is a Spanish side that has developed a recent habit of spoiling French dreams. Spain eliminated France in the Euro 2024 semi-finals and defeated them again in a thrilling 2-1 Nations League encounter in Munich last year. “We are the only ones to have beaten them twice in a row,” said Spain coach Luis de la Fuente, “but this third match will be very different.”
France have been largely convincing on their journey. They swept through Group I with maximum points, thrashed Sweden 3-0 in the round of 32, edged Paraguay 1-0 in the last 16, and comfortably beat Morocco 2-0 in the quarter-finals.
Spain’s path has been more demanding. They topped Group H with seven points, cruised past Austria 3-0, needed a late goal to overcome Portugal 1-0 in a tense Iberian derby, and again relied on a late strike to defeat Belgium 2-1 in the last eight. That quarter-final also exposed the only real vulnerability in what has otherwise been an impressively secure Spanish defence, breached just once all tournament.
The France that arrives in Texas is a more potent proposition than the side beaten in Munich. Les Bleus boast the tournament’s two leading scorers — Kylian Mbappé with eight goals and Ousmane Dembélé with five — and greater overall balance. Mbappé’s electric pace is expected to deter Spain from pushing a high defensive line, while Dembélé’s threat on the flank and Michael Olise’s ability to drift inside and link play create multiple attacking dilemmas.
Mbappé himself remains grounded. “I was a champion and a World Cup runner-up, and this team has not achieved anything yet,” he said. “That said, this is the squad with the biggest potential I have ever played in.”
Spain, meanwhile, continue to trust the collective identity that delivered Euro 2024 glory. Their high-possession game is designed not only to create chances but to control matches and shield their defence. Lamine Yamal, who arrived at the tournament carrying a hamstring injury, is steadily regaining his best form — timing that could prove decisive against a France side likely to press high and aggressively.
The nations have met 38 times, with Spain holding the edge: 18 wins to France’s 13, and seven draws.
France will be monitoring the fitness of midfielders Kone and Tchouaméni, while defenders Dayot Upamecano and William Saliba missed Saturday’s training session. Spain, encouragingly, report no injury concerns.
The winner will face either England or Argentina in Sunday’s final in New Jersey, with world football’s ultimate prize now tantalisingly close.
