The road to the FIFA World Cup 2026 final goes through one of the biggest fixtures in international football as France take on Spain in the semi-final. Packed with world-class stars, tactical battles and high stakes, the clash promises to be one of the standout matches of the tournament.
France, champions in 2018 and runners-up in 2022, have been the tournament's highest-scoring side so far. Spain, meanwhile, are chasing their first World Cup final since lifting the trophy in 2010 and enter the contest after a dramatic victory over Belgium.
Here's everything you need to know about France vs Spain FIFA World Cup 2026, including the match date, India time, live streaming details, probable lineups, injury updates, head-to-head record and prediction.
France vs Spain FIFA World Cup 2026: Match date and India time
The France vs Spain FIFA World Cup 2026 semi-final will be played on Tuesday, July 14 (local time).
For fans in India, the match will kick off at 12:30 AM IST on Wednesday, July 15.
Kick-off timings
United States (ET): Tuesday, July 14 – 3:00 PM
United Kingdom (BST): Tuesday, July 14 – 8:00 PM
India (IST): Wednesday, July 15 – 12:30 AM
Australia (AEST): Wednesday, July 15 – 5:00 AM
France vs Spain live streaming: Where to watch in India
Football fans can watch the France vs Spain live streaming in India on ZEE5.
Other broadcasters include:
United Kingdom: ITV
United States: Fox Sports
Australia: SBS
Live text coverage will also be available on ESPN.
France vs Spain venue, stadium and match officials
The blockbuster World Cup semi-final will be played at Dallas Stadium.
Venue: Dallas Stadium
Referee: Ivan Barton (El Salvador)
With a place in the FIFA World Cup final at stake, a packed stadium is expected to witness one of the biggest matches of the tournament.
France predicted starting XI
France are expected to line up in a 4-2-3-1 formation.
Predicted XI:
Mike Maignan
Jules Koundé
Dayot Upamecano
William Saliba
Lucas Digne
Aurélien Tchouaméni
Adrien Rabiot
Ousmane Dembélé
Michael Olise
Désiré Doué
Kylian Mbappé
Spain predicted starting XI
Spain are also likely to use a 4-2-3-1 formation.
Predicted XI:
Unai Simón
Pedro Porro
Pau Cubarsí
Aymeric Laporte
Marc Cucurella
Rodri
Fabián Ruiz
Lamine Yamal
Dani Olmo
Álex Baena
Mikel Oyarzabal
France vs Spain key players to watch
Kylian Mbappé (France)
France will once again look to captain Kylian Mbappé to lead the attack. His pace, finishing and ability to deliver in knockout matches make him France's biggest threat.
Lamine Yamal (Spain)
Teenage sensation Lamine Yamal has continued his remarkable rise on the international stage. His creativity and dribbling ability could prove crucial against the French defence.
Ousmane Dembélé
Dembélé has been among France's most dangerous attacking players, providing width, pace and chances in the final third.
Rodri
Spain's midfield will revolve around Rodri, whose control, passing and defensive awareness could dictate the tempo of the semi-final.
France vs Spain injury news and team updates
Both teams are expected to field their strongest available squads for the World Cup semi-final.
France have enjoyed an impressive campaign, scoring 16 goals, the most by any team in the tournament. Spain secured their place in the last four after edging past Belgium thanks to an 88th-minute winner from Mikel Merino, giving them confidence heading into the clash.
France vs Spain head-to-head record
Historically, Spain have enjoyed the upper hand in this rivalry.
Overall head-to-head:
Matches: 38
Spain wins: 18
France wins: 13
Draws: 7
Although Spain lead the overall record, knockout matches between these two nations have often been closely contested.
France vs Spain team stats in FIFA World Cup 2026
FranceHighest-scoring team in the tournament
Goals scored: 16
Chasing a third straight FIFA World Cup final appearance
World Cup winners in 2018
Runners-up in 2022
Spain
Reached the semi-final after defeating Belgium
Seeking their first World Cup final since 2010
Looking to win their second FIFA World Cup title
France vs Spain match prediction
The semi-final features two teams loaded with elite talent across every position. France possess incredible attacking depth, while Spain's midfield remains one of the strongest in international football.
France have looked slightly more clinical throughout the tournament, but Spain's ability to control possession could make this an evenly balanced contest.
Prediction: France 2-1 Spain
If Mbappé and France's attacking trio find space behind Spain's defence, Les Bleus could edge a thrilling encounter and book another appearance in the FIFA World Cup final.
