France take on Spain in a battle of European heavyweights as the two nations clash in the first of the World Cup 2026 semi-finals tonight.
Didier Deschamps’ side have arguably been the best team in the tournament so far having mesmerised with their attacking play, and the incredible talents of Kylian Mbappe, Ousmane Dembele and Michael Olise while Spain have been defensively strong conceding only one goal throughout their campaign.
The European champions are looking to win back-to-back major tournaments and have previous success against France to draw upon having defeated Les Bleus in a thrilling Euro 2024 semi-final two years ago.
Last time out, Mbappe scored during France’s routine 2-0 win over Morocco, while Spain defeated Belgium thanks to a late Mikel Merino goal to set up what head coach Luis de la Fuente described as the “final before the final”.
Follow all the action from the World Cup semi-final with our live blog below:
France 0-0 Spain
15 mins: France show what the game plan is as Olise drops in deep to collect a defensive header and plays a stunning one-touch pass to Dembele who releases Mbappe.
The captain miscontrols it and the passage dies out…the French are knocking
France 0-0 Spain
14 mins: Spain are making good stops in midfield but have not got enough men forward to launch a meaningful counter attack.
The French press is causing problems but Olise has just been punished for getting a bit too excited and catching Rodri – he is a bit lucky not to get carded there.
France 0-0 Spain
10 mins: The free-kick strikes the wall but Yamal is there to claim it and put a dangerous cross into the area.
France are looking to play with a ferocious intensity, but Spain are doing an adequate job of cutting the passing lanes to France’s attack.
France 0-0 Spain
8 mins: Rabiot is penalised just outside of his penalty area for a challenge on Dani Olmo.
A dangerous free-kick for Spain as Yamal and Oyarzabal stand over it.
France 0-0 Spain
6 mins: Spain looked to settle into their shape, but an unforced error unleashed France on the counter attack and Barcola makes easy work of his man Pedro Porro.
First corner of the game isn’t successful and Spain get let off with a goal-kick.
France 0-0 Spain
3 mins: It’s a bit of a frantic start as both teams try to find their feet.
The ball has already changes hands at least a dozen times, which will not be how Spain will want to play this game as France look to push the pace
Kick-off! France 0-0 Spain
Spain get us underway and the first and third ranked seeds at this World Cup will finally face-off in one of the most anticipated games of the tournament.
Team announcements
The teams are being announced in a ludicrously over-the-top way by a man called Bruce Buffer, surrounded by four cheerleaders.
“Apparently Buffer is the announcer for UFC.”
