France will meet Spain in the FIFA World Cup semi-finals on Tuesday, trying to go one step closer to a third title.
Les Bleus have been in the previous two World Cup finals, winning the title in Russia in 2018 before losing a devastating penalty shootout to Argentina in the 2022 final in Qatar, despite Kylian Mbappe’s historic hat trick.
Spain, however, is pursuing only their second World Cup championship, having won their first in South Africa in 2010.
Despite their great football history, La Roja has only won one World Cup.
Many pundits believe Spain possesses one of the strongest squads in this year’s tournament.
After opening their campaign with a disheartening goalless draw against World Cup debutants Cape Verde, Luis de la Fuente’s team have progressively built momentum.
Their main problem now will be limiting France’s strong onslaught powered by Mbappe.
The Real Madrid attacker enters the game with eight goals, tied with Argentina captain Lionel Messi for the Golden Boot.
France’s offensive options also include Ballon d’Or winner Ousmane Dembele and Michael Olise, whose quickness and inventiveness have repeatedly stretched rival defenses, making room for Mbappe.
Coach Didier Deschamps may also rely on Paris Saint-Germain’s Bradley Barcola and Desire Doue, both of whom have excelled with their attacking contributions during the campaign.
France is anxious to forget the sad memories of their defeat to Argentina in Doha four years ago, and they would welcome another meeting with Messi’s team in the final if the incumbent champions upset England in the other semifinal.
The tournament also represents the end of an era for France, as Deschamps will stand down after 14 years in command.
Already one of the few people to have won the World Cup as both a player and a coach, he will be looking to retire on the best possible note by hoisting the trophy once again.
Despite France’s heritage, Deschamps demanded Spain begin the competition as favorites.
“Forget about Spain’s opening match against Cape Verde,” he said.
“Since then, they have shown why many people consider them the favorites.”
Spain’s hopes will once again depend primarily on teenage star Lamine Yamal, who turned 19 on Monday.
The Barcelona winger came to the tournament with a hamstring injury and struggled to get into a rhythm.
However, his performances have improved dramatically, culminating in a player-of-the-match performance in Spain’s 2-1 quarter-final triumph against Belgium.
Yamal feels Spain has a psychological advantage against France, having defeated them in the Euro 2024 semi-finals and again in a dramatic 5-4 UEFA Nations League semifinal in 2025.
In response to criticisms that France should fear Spain more than the other way around, the youngster explained his words.
“I was asked if I was afraid of France, and I said no,” Yamal said. “We are European champions. That’s all I meant. This is football.”
He joked that, while he bought a jewel-encrusted necklace for his birthday, guiding Spain to victory in the World Cup final on Sunday would be the ideal gift.
“I haven’t received many presents yet.
“The best one would be beating France and travelling to New York for the final,” he said.
Spain has earned a remarkable record on defensive discipline.
They have only surrendered one goal in the campaign, against Belgium in the quarterfinals.
De la Fuente has also reinstated Spain’s typical possession-based approach, which means France may have to spend extended periods chasing the ball before initiating their own attacks.
