Live Blog! France vs. Spain – 2026 FIFA World Cup Match
France and Spain star in a high-stakes semifinal this Tuesday at the 2026 World Cup. The two title favorites face off in Dallas with a spot in the grand final on the line.
90+7 FINAL
90'+4' Nico Williams almost makes it three! The Spanish winger powers into the box and goes for the far post with a left-footed strike, but it drifts just wide. So close to sealing the game!
90'+2' Dangerous moment for France! Rayan Cherki sends a venomous cross across the face of the six-yard box, but no one is there to connect. The ball rolls out for a goal kick, to the relief of the Spanish defense.
89' Mbappé rues the missed opportunity! The French star tries his luck with a direct free kick, but his effort sails over the crossbar. A collective gasp from the crowd in Dallas!
82' UNAI SIMÓN STANDS TALL!! A providential double intervention from the goalkeeper! First, he bravely rushes out of his box to clear with his head, and immediately tracks back at full speed to block Doué’s long-range attempt on the empty net. A display of pure reflexes!
76' Tensions flare on the pitch! Lamine Yamal risks a yellow card after a late tackle on Kylian Mbappé. The Barcelona player fails to make contact with the ball, prompting Deschamps to vehemently appeal to fourth official Glenn Nyberg for a booking.
73' It’s all or nothing for Deschamps! The French manager throws everything forward in search of a heroic comeback: he bets it all on the individual magic of Cherki and the electric pace of Theo Hernández to break through on the flanks.
66' COOLING BREAK
65' France comes close to pulling one back! Following a corner kick, Michael Olise delivers a precise cross into the box for Tchouaméni, but his right-footed attempt sails high over the Spanish goal.
58' GOAL FOR SPAIN! PEDRO PORRO EXTENDS THE LEAD! The full-back appeared in the heart of the box to connect with a precise right-footed strike, making it 0-2. Spain is pulling away!
53' France is looking to change the script. It’s not just the need to equalize Oyarzabal’s opener; the French are now trying to take control through longer, more patient possessions, attempting to tilt the field in their favor.
52' Oyarzabal tries his luck! With no clear passing lanes, the player from Eibar decides to take a shot from the edge of the box. His powerful left-footed effort sails over the crossbar.
48' First substitution for France. Deschamps makes a move after the break to protect Adrien Rabiot, who was playing under the pressure of a yellow card. Manu Koné comes on, looking to provide more consistency in midfield following his standout performance against Morocco in the quarter-finals.
45+6' HALF-TIME
44' Foul in favor of France! Ousmane Dembélé is brought down in the attacking half as he tries to make a run down the flank.
40' Entering the final stretch of the first half! Only five minutes remain until the break here in Dallas. France is still searching for an equalizer following Mikel Oyarzabal’s earlier penalty goal (0-1).
36' France threatens! Bradley Barcola tries his luck from the edge of the box with his right foot, but his shot goes wide and doesn't trouble the Spanish goalkeeper.
29' TROUBLE FOR FRANCE! William Saliba collapses on the pitch. The French center-back, who entered the match with significant back discomfort, looks unable to continue. Deschamps has already signaled for Maxence Lacroix to warm up with urgency.
23:30 COOLING BREAK
22' GOAL FOR SPAIN! Mikel Oyarzabal doesn't miss from the spot and expertly converts the penalty. Spain takes the lead! (1-0).
20' Penalty for Spain! The referee points to the spot following a foul on Lamine Yamal inside the box.
15' The first fifteen minutes have passed in Dallas. The score remains 0-0. Spain is controlling the possession, while France is opting for a disciplined, deep block. So far, both teams are sizing each other up, and there have been no clear scoring chances.
11' Spain with an attempt! Álex Baena tries his luck from long range with a right-footed shot, but the French defense manages to block the effort before it reaches the goal.
8' Free kick for Spain! Adrien Rabiot commits a foul on Dani Olmo in midfield. The Spanish player was brought down while trying to push forward.
5' 'Les Bleus' have started the match prioritizing defensive organization in their own half. With two well-defined lines of four, the team is focused on solidity, while Olise and Mbappé are pressing intensely on the opposition's center-backs.
2' Deschamps sticks to his usual tactical setup. In the middle of the pitch, Rabiot is partnered with a recovered Tchouaméni, while Olise takes on the creative role in the center to link up with Mbappé, who is positioned as the main attacking reference. Ousmane Dembélé is tasked with providing width on the right wing.
KICK-OFF
LINE UP SPAIN
LINE UP FRANCE
The team led by Didier Deschamps reaches the semifinals with the goal of competing in their third consecutive World Cup final, having reached those in Russia 2018 and Qatar 2022. Les Bleus have shown a solid defensive setup and a lethal attack, supported by the leadership of Kylian Mbappé, who is once again the main offensive figure. Furthermore, they possess a squad full of talent and experience, featuring players such as Mike Maignan, William Saliba, Aurélien Tchouaméni, and Ousmane Dembélé, who will seek to assert their hierarchy against one of the most in-form teams of the tournament.
Spain, for their part, left Belgium behind with a 2-1 victory and confirmed the growth of the project led by Luis de la Fuente. La Roja has found balance between the experience of Rodri and the talent of a new generation led by Lamine Yamal and Nico Williams.
Both teams arrive with practically flawless campaigns. France, coached by Didier Deschamps, advanced to the semifinals after a 2-0 victory over Morocco and is looking to compete in their third consecutive World Cup final. Les Bleus have shown a solid defense and an attack led by Kylian Mbappé, who is once again the standout figure for the French side
The first semifinal of the 2026 FIFA World Cup takes place this Tuesday, July 14, with a true duel of giants. France and Spain face off at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas, in a match that many consider an early final due to the level of play both teams have displayed throughout the tournament











