Tuesday's World Cup semifinal in Arlington, Texas was always going to be something. France against Spain, Kylian Mbappé against Lamine Yamal, the defending runners-up against the 2024 European champions — the fixture confirmed itself as arguably the most talent-dense match in this entire tournament the moment both teams advanced from their quarterfinals. Kick-off is at 3pm ET on July 14 at AT&T Stadium in Dallas, and a place in the final at New York on July 19 is on the line.
France's Mbappé Machine Rolls On
Kylian Mbappé went into this World Cup as one of the favourites to win the Golden Boot, and he has not disappointed. His tally of eight goals from six matches is the highest in the tournament, and his performance against Morocco in the quarterfinal — where he scored the opener and set up Ousmane Dembélé for the second — showed exactly why every team in this competition has been afraid to face France. He briefly picked up an ankle knock against Morocco and was substituted in the 77th minute with what looked like some discomfort, but French staff confirmed post-match that he would be fit to face Spain. That is very bad news for Luis de la Fuente's defenders.
Spain's Golden Generation Making Their Mark
Spain, meanwhile, have been doing what they do best: passing opponents into exhaustion and then winning games through moments of individual quality. Lamine Yamal, the 18-year-old Barcelona winger who has been the most exciting player in this entire tournament, set up Fabián Ruiz's opener against Belgium and then delivered the cross for Mikel Merino's late winner in a 2-1 quarterfinal victory. Spain's midfield is as good as any in world football right now, and their ability to control possession for long stretches will test a France side that has been much more direct under Didier Deschamps than his predecessors.
The Key Battle: Yamal vs Theo Hernandez
The matchup that will likely decide this semifinal is Yamal against France's left back Theo Hernandez. Hernandez is an elite offensive fullback but can be exposed by quick, direct wingers who want to run at him in one-on-one situations. Yamal is exactly that kind of player. On the other flank, France's Ousmane Dembélé will be looking to exploit whatever space Spain's right back leaves behind him. Both teams have the tactical intelligence to adjust at half-time, which makes this the kind of game where the bench and the manager may well be the difference.
Prediction
France are marginally the stronger team when Mbappé is at his best, and the data from this tournament backs that up. But Spain have never been easy opponents for anyone, and their composure under pressure — shown again in the final minutes against Belgium — makes them a genuine threat to go all the way. France win in a contest that goes to the wire, 2-1, with Mbappé on the scoresheet. Spain will feel they gave everything.
Match preview: France vs Spain | FIFA World Cup 2026 Semifinal | AT&T Stadium, Arlington, Texas | Kickoff: Tuesday July 14, 2026, 3pm ET / 8pm BST
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