The 2026 FIFA World Cup reaches a thrilling stage today, 14 July 2026, as France and Spain go head-to-head in a blockbuster semifinal with a coveted place in the final on the line.
Both European giants have produced outstanding performances throughout the tournament, setting up what promises to be one of the most exciting matches of the competition.
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The teams’ form
France booked their place in the semifinals with an emphatic 2-0 win over Morocco in Boston last Thursday. Kylian Mbappe opened the scoring and provided an assist for Ousmane Dembele, as the two-time World Cup winners put themselves just one game away from a third successive appearance in the final.
The French team have been the most impressive team at the tournament, playing a flowing style of football that has combined plenty of goals, 16 in six matches, accompanied by some resilient defence. Their balance, team spirit and composure have shone through.
Spain, on the other hand, left it late to secure victory, overcoming Belgium in the quarterfinals. With the match locked at 1-1 after goals from Fabian Ruiz and Charles De Ketelaere, Mikel Merino struck in the 88th minute to grasp a 2-1 triumph and Spain’s first World Cup semifinal since they won the tournament in 2010.
Their blend of experienced stars and emerging young talent has made them one of the tournament’s standout teams, and they will be determined to book their place in the final.
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Spain and France’s head-to-head
France and Spain have played 38 previous matches, with Spain claiming 18 wins to 13, and seven draws. They have met once before in the World Cup, with France winning 3-1 in a Round of 16 clash in 2006.
The teams’ most recent meeting was an absolute thriller, with Spain winning 5-4 in the semifinals of the UEFA Nations League in Stuttgart in June 2025.
As anticipation builds, football supporters around the world are eagerly awaiting what could be one of the defining matches of the tournament.
Whether it is France’s experience or Spain’s flair that prevails, one thing is certain—another unforgettable chapter in World Cup history is about to be written.
Also see: Spain and Belgium meet in high-stakes World Cup quarter-final
Featured image: Getty Images / Molly Darlington
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