Spain head into one of the biggest matches of the 2026 FIFA World Cup knowing only a victory over France will keep their dream of lifting a second global crown alive.
The reigning European champions face an in-form French side in a blockbuster semifinal that rekindles memories of their dramatic 2-1 triumph over Les Bleus in the UEFA Euro 2024 semifinals.
Luis de la Fuente’s men have quietly built momentum throughout the tournament, relying on tactical discipline, quick passing combinations and collective brilliance rather than individual heroics.
Although several of Spain’s attacking stars are yet to fully explode on the World Cup stage, La Roja have continued to grind out results and now stand just one victory away from another World Cup final.
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France, however, represents Spain’s toughest assignment so far. Didier Deschamps’ side has combined defensive solidity with devastating attacking quality, making them one of the tournament favorites.
Even so, Spain enters the contest with confidence after eliminating Belgium in the quarterfinals and will believe they possess the technical quality to unsettle the French.
De la Fuente is expected to retain faith in goalkeeper Unai Simón despite his first clean sheet streak ending in the previous round.
The Athletic Club shot-stopper remains Spain’s undisputed first choice and will be expected to produce several crucial saves against the likes of Kylian Mbappé, Ousmane Dembélé and Michael Olise.
Pedro Porro is likely to continue at right-back, offering attacking width and overlapping runs despite facing a stern examination against France’s dangerous left flank.
Pau Cubarsí and Aymeric Laporte should once again anchor central defense, with Laporte preparing to face the country of his birth in one of the biggest matches of his international career.
Marc Cucurella is expected to occupy the left-back position, where his energy and willingness to join attacks will be vital in stretching the French backline.
In midfield, Ballon d’Or winner Rodri remains Spain’s heartbeat. The Manchester City midfielder has grown stronger with every match and will dictate the tempo alongside Fabián Ruiz, whose physical presence and ability to arrive late in the penalty area could prove decisive.
Pedri is expected to begin among the substitutes after De la Fuente favored Ruiz in the quarterfinal victory.
Further forward, teenage sensation Lamine Yamal is tipped to keep his place on the right wing. While the youngster has produced flashes of brilliance rather than sustained dominance, his pace and creativity remain among Spain’s biggest attacking weapons.
Dani Olmo is expected to operate behind striker Mikel Oyarzabal, linking midfield and attack with his intelligent movement between the lines.
On the opposite flank, Álex Baena could once again get the nod ahead of Nico Williams, with the latter offering explosive pace as an impact substitute if Spain needs fresh attacking impetus during the closing stages.
Oyarzabal will continue to spearhead the attack despite failing to score in his last two appearances. His movement inside the box and clinical finishing make him a constant threat whenever opportunities arise.
With a place in the World Cup final at stake, Spain is unlikely to stray from the formula that has brought them this far.
De la Fuente will rely on his side’s composure in possession, tactical discipline and attacking fluidity as La Roja look to overcome a formidable French outfit and book their place in another historic World Cup final.
Spain predicted lineup vs France
Unai Simón; Pedro Porro, Pau Cubarsí, Aymeric Laporte, Marc Cucurella; Rodri, Fabián Ruiz; Lamine Yamal, Dani Olmo, Álex Baena; Mikel Oyarzabal.
Read more about other World Cup teams in 2026 below:
Morocco national football team 2026
Argentina national football team 2026
Mexico national football team 2026
Spain national football team 2026
Brazil national football team 2026
France national football team 2026
Senegal national football team 2026