France vs Spain are set for a blockbuster FIFA World Cup 2026 semi-final as two of Europe’s football powerhouses battle for a place in the final. Both teams have impressed throughout the tournament and enter the clash with strong momentum, setting the stage for another memorable chapter in their long-standing rivalry.

France vs Spain: Head-to-head battle

France and Spain have faced each other 38 times in international football. Spain holds the upper hand with 18 wins, while France has won 13 matches. Seven encounters have ended in draws.

The rivalry has produced several memorable contests in recent years. Spain defeated France in the UEFA Euro 2024 semi-final before edging Les Bleus in a thrilling 5-4 victory in the 2025 UEFA Nations League. France, however, have enjoyed success on the biggest stage before, including their famous win over Spain in the 2006 FIFA World Cup knockout rounds.

Both teams arrive in top form

France have enjoyed a dominant run to the semi-finals. Didier Deschamps’ side defeated Sweden 3-0 in the Round of 32, edged Paraguay 1-0 in the Round of 16 and overcame Morocco 2-0 in the quarter-finals. Led by Kylian Mbappe and Ousmane Dembele, Les Bleus have looked balanced in both attack and defence.

Spain have been equally impressive. Luis de la Fuente’s men began the knockout stage with a convincing 3-0 win over Austria before defeating Portugal 1-0 and Belgium 2-1 to reach the last four. Their possession-based style, combined with the creativity of Pedri and the pace of Lamine Yamal and Nico Williams, has made them one of the tournament’s standout teams.

Predicted France XI: Mike Maignan; Jules Kounde, Ibrahima Konate, William Saliba, Theo Hernandez; Aurelien Tchouameni, Adrien Rabiot; Michael Olise, Antoine Griezmann, Kylian Mbappe; Ousmane Dembele.

Predicted Spain XI: Unai Simon; Dani Carvajal, Robin Le Normand, Aymeric Laporte, Marc Cucurella; Rodri, Pedri, Fabian Ruiz; Lamine Yamal, Alvaro Morata, Nico Williams.

With a place in the FIFA World Cup 2026 final on the line, France and Spain will look to produce another classic encounter in one of international football’s greatest rivalries.