France’s Kylian Mbappe takes part in a training session.
Doha, Qatar: France’s bid for a third consecutive FIFA World Cup final faces its toughest challenge today when the two-time champions meet reigning European champions Spain in a blockbuster semi-final in Dallas, with Argentina or England awaiting the winners in Sunday’s final.
France have lived up to expectations throughout the tournament, winning all six matches to reach a third successive World Cup semi-final.
After topping Group I with victories over Senegal, Iraq and Norway, Didier Deschamps’ side eliminated Sweden, Paraguay and Morocco, scoring 16 goals while keeping clean sheets throughout the knockout stage.
Leading the charge is Kylian Mbappe, whose relentless pursuit of another World Cup crown has been matched by another astonishing scoring run. The Real Madrid forward tops the Golden Boot standings with eight goals and three assists, while his strike against Morocco took his World Cup tally to 20 goals, leaving him just one behind Lionel Messi’s all-time record of 21.
France’s firepower stretches far beyond their captain. Ousmane Dembele, Michael Olise, Desire Doue and Bradley Barcola have all made decisive contributions, while Dayot Upamecano and William Saliba have anchored a defence that has yet to concede in the knockout rounds.
Spain players form a guard of honour for teammate Lamine Yamal (centre) on his birthday during a training session. PICS: AFP
Yet Deschamps insists France have achieved nothing yet.
“Right now we are only in the semi-finals. We have another step to go and it will obviously be really difficult.”
Mbappe has echoed his coach’s message, brushing aside the growing attention on his personal milestones.
“We’re in the semi-finals and we’re very happy, but there’s still a long way to go. We realise that what lies ahead is even tougher than what we’ve been through, but we’re ready to face anything,” the 27-year-old said after France’s victory over Morocco.
Spain have grown stronger as the tournament has progressed. After a surprise goalless draw against Cape Verde in their opener, Luis de la Fuente’s side topped their group before producing convincing knockout performances, beating Austria 3-0, edging Portugal 1-0 and overcoming Belgium 2-1 to reach only their second World Cup semi-final since winning the trophy in South Africa in 2010.
La Roja are unbeaten in 36 matches in 90 minutes since March 2024 and have won seven of their last 10 meetings with France, including victories in the Euro 2024 and the 2025 UEFA Nations League semi-finals.
Their midfield trio of Rodri, Pedri and Dani Olmo has dictated the tempo throughout the tournament, while goalkeeper Unai Simon has conceded only once.
Arsenal midfielder Mikel Merino has also emerged as Spain’s unlikely match-winner, becoming the first player in World Cup history to score winning goals as a substitute in two knockout matches.
Much of the attention, however, will centre on Lamine Yamal, the teenager widely viewed as the heir to Mbappe’s throne. The Barcelona winger first announced himself on the biggest stage by inspiring Spain to victory over France in the Euro 2024 semi-final, and now has another opportunity to halt Mbappe’s march towards history while chasing his own dream of lifting the World Cup before turning 20.
Yamal admitted before the tournament he feared injury would deny him the chance to play in North America, but Spain captain Rodri believes the teenager’s desire to influence every game sometimes gets the better of him.
“I think Lamine needs to calm the anxiety he sometimes has because he wants to show how important a player he is for us.”
For De la Fuente, recent victories over France offer belief rather than guarantees. “It’s fair to think we can beat France; we’re going to work hard for them. We’re the only team that has managed to beat them twice. A great team is going to face another great team.”
