Spain and France meet in the semifinals of the FIFA World Cup 2026 on Tuesday, with Spain chasing a landmark they have never achieved — a victory over France at a senior men's World Cup.

The only previous meeting at a World Cup

The two nations have crossed paths at the tournament just once before: the round of 16 at Germany 2006, which France won 3-1. David Villa put Spain ahead from the penalty spot, but Franck Ribery levelled matters four minutes before half-time. Patrick Vieira then gave France the lead with less than 10 minutes remaining, before captain Zinedine Zidane sealed the win to send France into the quarter-finals.

Despite that solitary defeat, Spain arrive with considerable recent momentum in this fixture. They have won seven of their last 10 encounters against France, including a 2-1 victory in the semi-finals of Euro 2024 — a tournament they went on to lift — and a 5-4 triumph at last year's UEFA Nations League finals.

How both sides reached the last four

France navigated the group stage without dropping a point, finishing top on nine points. They then eliminated Sweden in the round of 32, Paraguay in the round of 16, and Morocco in the quarter-finals.

Spain's route was more turbulent. They were held to a 0-0 draw by debutants Cape Verde before recovering to beat Saudi Arabia 4-0 and Uruguay 1-0 in the group phase. They then knocked out Austria, Portugal, and Belgium in successive knockout rounds to reach the semi-finals.

Team news and selection battles

France forward Kylian Mbappé, who was substituted during the quarter-final with a minor ankle sprain, is expected to recover in time to start. Mbappé leads the Golden Boot standings with eight goals and has combined with Ballon d'Or holder Ousmane Dembélé to create 19 chances for one another across the tournament. Whether Désiré Doué or Bradley Barcola joins them and Michael Olise in the final third remains to be decided. Midfielder Manu Koné was also withdrawn as a precaution and could contest a midfield place with Aurélien Tchouaméni, who has returned from a thigh injury.

Spain manager's selection in attack is equally open. Mikel Oyarzabal has scored four goals at this World Cup and is expected to lead the front line, but Ferran Torres and the fit-again duo of Nico Williams and Yeremy Pino are all pressing for starts. In midfield, Mikel Merino and Pedri are pushing hard, which puts Fabián Ruiz and Dani Olmo under pressure to keep their places.

Lamine Yamal has not yet hit the heights of his extraordinary Euro 2024 campaign, but the teenage winger remains a certain starter on Spain's right flank, operating alongside Pedro Porro, who appears to have edged out Marcos Llorente at right-back.