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France looked the most complete side in the tournament. Didier Deschamps’ men scored while remaining solid in defence, going through the knockout stages without conceding a goal. Kylian Mbappé continues to lead the charge with eight goals, drawing level with Lionel Messi in the race for the Golden Boot and coming within one goal of Messi’s all-time World Cup tally of 21. Deschamps will also reach another milestone by taking charge of his 26th World Cup game as France coach.
Spain matched France step by step. After a slow start with a goalless draw against Cape Verde, Luis de la Fuente’s side built momentum with wins over Austria, Portugal and Belgium. Teenage sensation Lamine Yamal embraced the limelight despite admitting it was the biggest game of his career, while Mikel Merino became Spain’s unlikely knockout hero with late winners in back-to-back games.
Ahead of the contest, French midfielder Adrien Rabiot dismissed suggestions of a special tactical plan to stop Yamal, insisting France must focus on Spain’s collective attacking power rather than one individual. Spain, meanwhile, remain full of confidence after beating France in the semi-finals of UEFA Euro 2024 and UEFA Nations League 2025.
The match also brings together two former world champions with opposing ambitions. Spain are looking for their first World Cup finals since their triumph in 2010, while France hope to become only the third nation after Brazil and Germany to reach three consecutive World Cup finals.
A semi-final featuring Mbappé, Yamal, Antoine Griezmann, Pedri, Rodri and several other stars promises elite football, fascinating tactical battles and huge stakes as one European giant moves one step closer to World Cup glory.
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