France Chase Final Return
France and Spain meet in Dallas on Tuesday evening with a place in the final on the line. The winners will advance to face either England or Argentina, while the losers will be left wondering what might have been after impressive tournaments from both nations.
Match Preview
France have looked increasingly dangerous as the tournament has progressed and arrive in the semi-finals on the back of six consecutive victories.
Didier Deschamps’s side topped Group I before overcoming Sweden, Paraguay and Morocco in the knockout rounds, scoring 16 goals along the way and gradually evolving into one of the most attack-minded French teams of recent years.
Their quarter-final victory over Morocco highlighted both their quality and their resilience. Kylian Mbappe missed an early penalty but responded by opening the scoring with a superb finish before later creating Ousmane Dembele’s decisive goal.
The understanding developing between Mbappe, Dembele, Michael Olise and either Bradley Barcola or Desire Doue has become one of the defining stories of France’s campaign.
Experience also favours Les Bleus. France have reached the final in each of their last two tournament appearances and have progressed from their last four semi-finals, conceding just once across those matches.
Spain, however, represent perhaps their toughest test yet. The reigning European champions topped Group H before overcoming Austria, Portugal and Belgium to reach only their second semi-final in the tournament since lifting the trophy in South Africa.
Luis de la Fuente’s side continue to rely on control, possession and defensive organisation, although they have also developed a knack for producing decisive moments when games appear destined for extra time.
Mikel Merino’s late winners against Portugal and Belgium underlined Spain’s growing reputation for finding solutions in the biggest matches.
Their recent record against France is also encouraging. Spain have won seven of the last ten meetings between the nations, including their European triumph in 2024 and last year’s NL finals. With both sides carrying excellent form into Dallas, margins are likely to be extremely small.
Team News
France expect Mbappe to recover from a minor ankle issue in time to lead the attack. Manu Kone is also expected to be available despite being withdrawn with a knee problem against Morocco, while Aurelien Tchouameni is pushing for a return following his thigh injury.
Deschamps must still decide whether Doue or Barcola joins Mbappe, Dembele and Olise in the front four.
Spain have several positive selection dilemmas of their own. Merino’s impact from the bench has strengthened his case for a starting role, while Pedri is also pushing for inclusion in midfield.
Nico Williams and Yeremy Pino have both returned to full fitness and are competing with Ferran Torres for a place in attack alongside Mikel Oyarzabal and Lamine Yamal.
Odds and Tips
France possess arguably the most dangerous attack left in the competition, but Spain’s ability to control possession and dictate tempo makes them an extremely awkward opponent.
With recent meetings regularly producing goals and drama, another tight encounter looks likely.
Tip: Both teams to score at 1.65.
Don’t forget that we also have Early Payout on this match, which you can read more about here.
Odds might have changed since the writing and/or publication of this article.
Last Updated: 14.07.2026
