France v Spain LIVE: Team news and latest updates from World Cup semi-final – UK Times

Spain have maintained their trademark passing style throughout this World Cup campaign, completing 598 passes per match behind only Argentina.

They are also averaging more possession per game than any other side (66.0%).

Packed with individual and collective quality, Spain, France, England and Argentina are a fabulous and fitting final four, writes Miguel Delaney – and could take this tournament to new heights.

Both these teams have a greater chance of winning the World Cup than either England or Argentina according to Opta.

That means the most likely champion should be whichever team triumphs over the other in tonight’s clash.

France and Spain have taken different routes to get to the final four with La Roja building their success on a solid defensive foundation, while Les Bleus having made use of their star-studded attack.

This match has been billed as a final before the final but which team will come out on top?

Spain also have no suspensions and were boosted by Nico Williams returning to the pitch for the closing stages of their late win over Belgium.

Mikel Merino is likely to keep his super-sub role, despite scoring winners off the bench in the last-16 and quarter-finals, while Fabian Ruiz and Dani Olmo could continue alongside Rodri in midfield, leaving Pedri on the bench.

Predicted Spain XI: Simon; Porro, Cubarsi, Laporte, Cucurella; Rodri, Ruiz; Yamal, Olmo, Baena; Oyarzabal

Kylian Mbappe was removed towards the end of France’s 2-0 win over Morocco but confirmed afterwards that he was not injured. Midfielder Aurelien Tchouameni has missed France’s last two matches, with Manu Kone replacing him.

Kone was also removed towards the end of the win against Morocco but should be fit to start.

Elsewhere, whether to start Bradley Barcola or Desire Doue on the left is the only other selection choice facing Didier Deschamps.

Predicted France XI: Maignan; Kounde, Upamecano, Saliba, Digne; Kone, Rabiot; Dembele, Olise, Barcola; Mbappe

The World Cup semi-final will kick off at 8pm BST on Tuesday 14 July at the Dallas Stadium, Arlington, Texas.

It will be shown live on ITV 1 and STV 1 in the UK, as well as ITV X. Coverage starts from 7pm BST.

France and Spain meet in a blockbuster World Cup 2026 semi-final and in a clash of the two best teams at the tournament so far.

Spain defeated France in a thrilling Euro 2024 semi-final two years ago, which saw Lamine Yamal become the youngest goalscorer in European Championship history. Yamal, who turned 19 on Monday, is yet to truly arrive at the tournament but the Barcelona star may yet have a decisive say.

Real Madrid’s Mbappe, meanwhile, continues his quest for a third consecutive World Cup final and second title. The captain of the 2022 World Cup runners-up has scored eight goals to sit top of the Golden Boot race with Argentina’s Lionel Messi, who faces England in the other semi-final on Wednesday.

Welcome to The Independent’s coverage of tonight’s first World Cup 2026 semi-final as France take on Spain.

It’s a clash of European heavyweights with the winner booking their spot in New York for Sunday’s final where they will face either England or Argentina.

France have been the tournaments great entertainers but Spain have been defensively solid, letting in just one goal from six games, and that clash of styles could be crucial in deciding who goes through.

We’ll have all the team news, line-ups and updates from the semi-final in Dallas so stick with us as we build up to kick off at 8pm BST.