France vs Spain World Cup semifinal: Prediction, Mbappe-Yamal, venue, stats

Published 12 July 2026 · sports

European football titans France and Spain meet in a blockbuster FIFA World Cup 2026 final four matchup in Dallas. The first semifinal of the FIFA

European football titans France and Spain meet in a blockbuster FIFA World Cup 2026 final four matchup in Dallas. The first semifinal of the FIFA World Cup 2026 features Spain and France, the two highest ranked sides in Europe and one of the most heated rivalries in world football. The battle between the pre-tournament favourites is for many fans the most anticipated fixture of the monthlong World Cup, which has delivered drama both on and off the field. Tuesday’s clash in Dallas is extra special with two of football’s most prodigious talents sharing the field: Kylian Mbappe and Lamine Yamal. Mbappe and Yamal have faced each other several times in La Liga’s El Clasico, the famous derby between rival clubs Real Madrid and Barcelona. But this time, the stage is much bigger and so is the prize with the winner fulfilling every footballer’s dream of playing in a World Cup final. Here’s all to know about France vs Spain What is the winner prediction for France vs Spain? As of Sunday, Opta’s supercomputer gives France a 42.1 percent probability of winning in regulation time, while Spain’s chances of winning are 31.8 percent. The model estimates a 26.1 percent probability of the game going to extra time. Where will the Spain-France semifinal be played? The first semifinal will be held at Dallas Stadium in Arlington, Texas, which has a capacity of 70,649 for this tournament.

It is the last of the nine match days at the venue – the most at this year’s World Cup, which is being held in 16 cities. France vs Spain: Head-to-head France and Spain are familiar foes and have faced each other on 38 occasions. Spain holds the upper hand in their head-to-head record with 18 victories. France has won 13 times, while seven matches ended in a draw. Their last meeting was just more than a year ago, at the 2025 UEFA Nations League semifinals, when Spain defeated France 5-4 in an exhilarating contest, with Yamal’s brace sending them through. France vs Spain: Last 5 matches Spain 5-4 France (UEFA Nations League 2025 semifinals) 5-4 France (UEFA Nations League 2025 semifinals) Spain 2-1 France (UEFA Euro 2024 semifinals) 2-1 France (UEFA Euro 2024 semifinals) Spain 1-2 France (UEFA Nations League 2021 final) (UEFA Nations League 2021 final) France 0-2 Spain (International friendly, 2017) (International friendly, 2017) France 1-0 Spain (International friendly, 2014) Have France and Spain ever played at the World Cup? France and Spain have faced each other just once at the FIFA World Cup. It dates back to the 2006 edition, in which France defeated Spain 3-1 in a last-16 contest thanks to goals from Franck Ribery, Patrick Vieira and the iconic Zinedine Zidane.