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France Meets Spain in Dallas WC Semifinal, Mbappé Leads

7/14/2026

Summary

France Faces Spain

France will meet Spain in the World Cup semifinal at Dallas Stadium on July 14, 2026.
Opta gives France a 42.1 % chance to win in regulation after the team outscored opponents 14-2 with Mbappé leading Golden Boot race (eight goals, three assists) and Spain allowed only one goal in six matches.
Tickets range from $1,390 to $3,023, with France having injury doubts for Kone, Tchouameni, Upamecano and Saliba while Spain report none.

Summary

France Bastille Clash

The semifinal will be played on France’s Bastille Day, adding national-holiday significance.
Spain’s tactic sends Cucurella and Porro high while Rodri covers, risking exposure to Mbappé and Dembélé.
France’s centre-back pair Upamecano and Saliba have kept three consecutive knockout clean sheets.
Spain’s midfield of Rodri, Pedri and Olmo completed over 1,000 final-third passes at 83.9 % accuracy.
Sky Sports will stream the match digitally from 6 p.m., with kick-off at 8 p.m. Tuesday.

Summary

Yamal Embraces Pressure

Spain coach Rodri said 19-year-old winger Lamine Yamal’s anxiety and a slight injury limit his wing explosiveness.
Yamal replied that winning the World Cup matters more than his goals and that his priority is creating space.
Rodri noted Yamal’s maturity has risen since Euro 2024, making him a settled squad member.
Rodri warned the semifinal will be tighter than the 5-4 Nations League game and must not distract Spain.

History

Historical Context

France won its first World Cup on home soil in 1998, beating Brazil 3-0 before 80,000 fans at the newly built Stade de France. The triumph, celebrated on Bastille Day and followed by Euro 2000 success, set a benchmark for French football. The 2026 semifinal against Spain revives that pressure, echoing the 1998 victory.

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France Faces Spain

France will meet Spain in the World Cup semifinal at Dallas Stadium on July 14, 2026.
Opta gives France a 42.1 % chance to win in regulation after the team outscored opponents 14-2 with Mbappé leading Golden Boot race (eight goals, three assists) and Spain allowed only one goal in six matches.
Tickets range from $1,390 to $3,023, with France having injury doubts for Kone, Tchouameni, Upamecano and Saliba while Spain report none.

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