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France and Spain have reached the World Cup semi-final, setting up a highly anticipated clash as both teams battle for a place in the final on Tuesday.
The match, which will be played at the AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas, is expected to be one of the biggest games of the tournament, with France chasing a third straight World Cup final appearance.
France coach Didier Deschamps has praised Spain’s strength ahead of the encounter, saying the European champions are dangerous in both attack and defence.
“They attack well, they defend well, they don’t concede goals. It could be a spectacular match,” Deschamps said on Monday.
France has reached the last two World Cup finals, winning the 2018 tournament in Russia before losing to Argentina on penalties in the 2022 final in Qatar.
The French team, led by Kylian Mbappé, is aiming to win its third World Cup title.
Mbappé has scored eight goals at the tournament and is among the leading contenders for the Golden Boot.
The forward has strong support from players including Ballon d’Or winner Ousmane Dembele and Michael Olise, while France’s defence has also improved despite earlier concerns.
For Deschamps, who will leave his role after the tournament following 14 years in charge, winning another World Cup would be a historic achievement, having already lifted the trophy as both a player and a coach.
Spain, meanwhile, is hoping to win their second World Cup title after their famous triumph in South Africa in 2010.
The team has been inspired by teenage star Lamine Yamal, who has continued to impress despite recovering from a hamstring injury before the tournament.
Yamal said Spain is confident ahead of the match and believes it can defeat France.
“I was asked if I was afraid of France, and I said no. We are European champions. It’s simply football,” he said.
The Barcelona forward added that reaching the World Cup final would be the perfect birthday gift.
“I haven’t received many gifts yet. The best gift would be a win on Tuesday and a trip to New York,” Yamal said.
Spain’s strong run has also been built on a solid defence, with the team conceding only one goal throughout the tournament before the semi-final.
Coach Luis de la Fuente said Spain will remain confident in their attacking style against France.
“We’ll try to win those duels and will try to be on the front foot during the game, imposing our style,” he said.
With Mbappé leading France’s attack and Yamal carrying Spain’s hopes, Tuesday’s semi-final promises a thrilling battle between two of football’s biggest teams.
