The stage is set for one of the biggest matches of the 2026 FIFA World Cup as tournament favourites France and Spain face off in a blockbuster semi-final at Dallas Stadium tonight, with a place in the final at stake.
Both European giants have been among the standout teams of the tournament, making the clash one of the most highly anticipated matches in North America.
According to Opta’s latest supercomputer predictions, France are the favourites to win the World Cup with a 33.6 percent chance, while Spain is second with a 23.9 percent probability.
France enters the match full of confidence after extending their winning run to six games with a 2-0 victory over Morocco in the quarter-finals.
Didier Deschamps’ side are now aiming to become only the second European nation, after Italy, to win seven consecutive World Cup matches in a single campaign.
Les Bleus are also chasing a third successive World Cup final appearance, having reached the finals in 2018 and 2022.
Victory over Spain would see them join Germany and Brazil as the only nations to reach three consecutive World Cup finals.
Captain Kylian Mbappé has once again been France’s driving force.
The Real Madrid forward has scored eight goals in the tournament, drawing level with Lionel Messi in the race for the Golden Boot.
Although he suffered a minor ankle injury against Morocco, he is expected to be fit for the semi-final.
Mbappé has also formed a dangerous partnership with Ousmane Dembélé, with the duo creating 19 chances for each other during the tournament.
Spain, however, have been equally impressive.
The reigning European champions have conceded just one goal in the competition and have lost only once in their last 27 matches at major tournaments.
Their disciplined defence and exciting attack, led by teenage sensation Lamine Yamal and Nico Williams, have made them one of the tournament’s strongest teams.
La Roja booked their place in the semi-finals after edging Belgium 2-1, thanks to another decisive substitute appearance from Mikel Merino, who became the first player in World Cup history to score winning goals as a substitute in two separate knockout matches at the same tournament.
Both teams are expected to have nearly full squads available.
France will monitor the fitness of defenders William Saliba and Dayot Upamecano, while midfielder Aurélien Tchouaméni is hoping to return after missing the last two matches with a muscle injury.
Spain could also welcome back Nico Williams and Yéremy Pino after recent injury concerns.
The two nations have met only once before at the FIFA World Cup, with France defeating Spain 3-1 in the Round of 16 at the 2006 tournament.
With world-class talent on both sides and a place in Sunday’s final against either England or Argentina on the line, fans can expect an intense encounter between two of international football’s biggest powers.
