France vs Spain prediction: team news, lineups, expert analysis
In the 2026 World Cup semi-final on July 14, a match will take place between the national teams of France and Spain. Each side believes it deserves to play in the decisive round.
France vs Spain: Team News and Expert Analysis
France reached the World Cup final in both 2018 and 2022, winning the title the first time. They are now progressing through the tournament with only victories. In the group stage, they managed to overcome Senegal, Iraq, and Norway. In the playoffs, they consecutively beat Sweden, Paraguay, and, in the quarterfinals, Morocco 2–0, despite Mbappé missing a penalty at first.
Spain is the reigning European champion. Compared to the fireworks of two years ago, they now play more pragmatically and generally more modestly. They started with a goalless draw against debutants Cape Verde. But then came victories, with clean sheets against Saudi Arabia and Uruguay in the group, as well as Austria and even Portugal in the playoffs. Only Belgium managed to beat Unai Simón. But once again, the substitute performed excellently—scoring the winning goal in the final minutes.
The runners-up of the last World Cup average 2.5 goals scored and just 0.7 conceded per match. The Euro winners look a bit more pragmatic: 1.8 goals scored and only 0.3 conceded per match.
Head-to-Head: France vs Spain
Spain has won both of the last two meetings and four out of the last six, with two defeats.
The stakes in this match are sky-high, and both teams are excellent defensively—hence the recommendation to bet on "total under 2.5 goals" (odds – 1.98).
France vs Spain: Key Statistics and Trends
- France has won all matches in the tournament
- 60% of France's matches end with both teams scoring, with an average of 3.2 goals per match
- Spain has won five matches in a row
- 30% of Spain's matches end with both teams scoring, with an average of 2.1 goals per match
France vs Spain: Probable Starting Lineups
France plays a 1-4-2-3-1 formation (probable lineup): Maignan – Digne, Saliba, Upamecano, Koundé – Rabiot, Koné – Doué, Olise, Dembélé – Mbappé
Spain plays a 1-4-2-3-1 formation (probable lineup): Simón – Cucurella, Laporte, Cubarsí, Porro – Fabián Ruiz, Rodri – Baena, Olmo, Yamal – Oyarzabal
Follow the World Cup standings and check your team's form before placing a bet on the next match.
