France and Spain will face off in the first semi-final of the 2026 FIFA World Cup on Tuesday, July 14, with a place in the final at stake.
The two former world champions have been among the best teams in the tournament and are now just one match away from another shot at football’s biggest prize.
France reached the last four after beating Morocco 2-0 in the quarter-finals, while Spain booked their semi-final spot with a 2-1 win over Belgium.
Only one team will move closer to lifting the trophy, while the other will have to contest for the bronze medal in the third-place play-off.
Mbappe vs Yamal in the Spotlight
Much of the attention will be on France captain Kylian Mbappe and Spain winger Lamine Yamal.
Kylian Mbappé is the current leading goalscorer at the 2026 FIFA World Cup with 8 goals.
While Lionel Messi has also scored eight times, the France captain sits at the top of the Golden Boot standings thanks to his three assists, one more than the Argentine star.
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Mbappe’s goal took his overall World Cup tally to 20, further underlining his reputation as one of the most dangerous players on football’s biggest stage.
Across the pitch will be Spain’s teenage sensation Lamine Yamal. Although the 18-year-old has scored only once in six appearances at the tournament, his influence goes far beyond goals.
Yamal has become the creative spark of the Spanish attack and remains one of the most feared young talents in world football.
His only goal at the tournament came in Spain’s 4-0 win over Saudi Arabia during the group stage, but his movement, dribbling and ability to attract defenders have played a key role in Spain’s run to the semi-finals.
Former Champions Eye Another Final
France are seeking a third World Cup title after previous triumphs in 1998 and 2018, while Spain are hoping to lift the trophy for just the second time after their historic success in 2010.
Les Bleus have once again shown why they are among the tournament favorites.
Led by Mbappe, France have won their last five matches, combining defensive discipline with ruthless finishing in front of goal.
Spain, meanwhile, have impressed with their possession-based football and defensive strength.
La Roja have scored 15 goals and conceded only once in six matches, making them one of the most balanced teams left in the competition.
The two nations have faced each other 38 times, with Spain winning 18 matches, France 13 and seven ending in draws.
Their most recent major tournament meeting came in the Euro 2024 semi-finals, where Spain claimed a 2-1 victory.
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The winner of France vs Spain will face the winner of the second semi-final between Argentina and England in the FIFA World Cup 2026 final.
With the World Cup final just five days away, France and Spain know that one more win will put them within touching distance of football’s biggest prize.
How to Watch France vs Spain Match
The match will be broadcast live on official FIFA World Cup broadcast partners across Africa, Europe and the Americas.
In Kenya and much of Sub-Saharan Africa, SuperSport (available on DStv and GOtv) remains the primary broadcaster of the tournament.
SuperSport has confirmed it will air all 104 matches live, alongside highlights, analysis, and repeat broadcasts on the football channels.
In addition to satellite broadcasts, subscribers will also be able to stream matches via DStv Stream and the SuperSport digital app.
The Kenya Broadcasting Corporation (KBC) will air the 2026 FIFA World Cup live and free to millions of Kenyans after the gov
Likely Line-ups
France (4-2-3-1)
Mike Maignan
Jules Kounde, Dayot Upamecano, William Saliba, Theo Hernandez
Adrien Rabiot, Manuel Kone
Michael Olise, Kylian Mbappe, Desire Doue
Ousmane Dembele
Spain (4-2-3-1)
Unai Simon
Pedro Porro, Pau Cubarsi, Aymeric Laporte, Marc Cucurella
Rodri, Fabian Ruiz
Lamine Yamal, Dani Olmo, Alex Baena
Mikel Oyarzabal
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