France vs Spain: which team will reach the World Cup final? Prediction, facts and betting tips – July 14, 2026
France and Spain will go head-to-head in the semi-finals of the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The match will be played on Tuesday, July 14, with kick-off scheduled for 21:00 CET. Here's my betting pick for this blockbuster clash.
France vs Spain: Match preview
France enjoyed an outstanding qualifying campaign for the 2026 World Cup. They dropped points in just one match, drawing once while winning all of their remaining fixtures. A total of 16 points from six matches secured their place at the World Cup. Les Bleus have continued their impressive form at the tournament, collecting a perfect nine points from three group-stage matches while posting a 10-2 goal difference. They have also looked dominant in the knockout rounds.
France began by crushing Sweden 3-0, then edged Paraguay 1-0 before defeating Morocco 2-0 in the quarter-finals. This marks their third consecutive World Cup semi-final appearance, having also reached the last four in 2018 and 2022. They played in the final at each of the previous two tournaments and will now attempt to return once again, although the challenge could hardly be tougher.
Spain also dropped points in only one qualifying match, finishing with the same tally of 16 points from six games. Their World Cup campaign began with a surprising 0-0 draw against Cape Verde, but they have been outstanding ever since. La Roja first defeated Saudi Arabia 4-0 before edging Uruguay 1-0. They continued their defensive dominance throughout the knockout stage, keeping clean sheets in a 3-0 victory over Austria in the Round of 32 and a narrow 1-0 win against Portugal in the Round of 16.
Spain finally conceded their first goal of the tournament in the quarter-finals but still defeated Belgium 2-1. They have reached the World Cup semi-finals for the first time since 2010 and will now hope to repeat the achievement of that memorable campaign by advancing to the 2026 World Cup final.
Match facts and head-to-head
- France have not conceded a single goal in the knockout stage.
- Spain have conceded just one goal at this World Cup.
- France have reached the World Cup semi-finals for the third consecutive tournament.
- Spain have reached the World Cup semi-finals for the first time since 2010.
- Spain won the most recent meeting between the two sides 5-4.
Probable line-ups
- France: Maignan; Koundé, Upamecano, Saliba, Digne; Koné, Rabiot; Dembélé, Olise, Doué; Mbappé
- Spain: Simón; Porro, Cubarsí, Laporte, Cucurella; Rodri, Fabián; Yamal, Olmo, Baena; Oyarzabal
Prediction
We're in for a spectacular contest between two evenly matched teams, and I expect them to produce a thrilling encounter. My recommended bet is over 2.5 total goals.
