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AT&T Stadium sets the stage for a heavyweight 2026 FIFA World Cup semi-final clash between France and Spain on Tuesday.

Looking to become only the third team in World Cup history to appear in three consecutive finals, Les Bleus head into proceedings as favourites after winning all six matches in regulation time.

Ousmane Dembele and World Cup top scorer Kylian Mbappe were on the scoresheet as Didier Deschamps’ side beat Morocco 2-0 in the quarter-finals, booking their tickets for this blockbuster showdown in Arlington, Texas.

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Spain had to survive late drama to overcome Belgium last time out, with second-half substitute Mikel Merino scoring an 88th-minute winner to seal a 2-1 victory.

Luis de la Fuente’s charges are potentially 90 minutes away from reaching their first World Cup final since lifting the trophy in 2010.

However, ending France’s relentless march towards another showpiece appearance will require something special.

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A force to be reckoned with

Deschamps’ men are on course to piece together one of the most dominant runs in the history of the competition.

In addition to winning all three matches in Group I by an aggregate score of 10-2, they have navigated each of their three knockout ties without conceding, with only Paraguay preventing them from scoring more than once.

Les Bleus are the tournament’s most prolific team, with 16 goals, largely thanks to the joint-top scorer, Mbappe, who has netted half of his side’s goals in North America.

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However, France cannot afford to rest on their laurels as they gear up for their eighth semi-final appearance at the most prestigious international tournament, with a formidable opponent set to test their credentials.

To put things in perspective, the two-time world champions have suffered eight defeats across their last ten meetings with Spain, highlighting the magnitude of the task awaiting them.

Tuesday night’s fixture will mark a landmark occasion for Deschamps, who is set to become the most experienced coach in World Cup history with his 26th match in charge.

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Resurgent giants

Spain have struggled massively on the biggest stage since lifting the trophy in 2010, failing to win a single knockout match until a 3-0 rout of Austria in the round of 32.

De la Fuente helped the Iberian giants buck that trend this summer, building on his remarkable 2024 European Championship triumph while protecting his imperious record at major tournaments (W12, D1).

Despite boasting a wealth of offensive potential, he has based Spain’s success on a rock-solid defence that has capitulated just once in his first six World Cup games in charge.

La Furia Roja’s defensive solidity is about to face its sternest test yet, but they should be confident of passing it with flying colours, having avoided defeat in regulation time across their last 36 internationals.

Only their second World Cup semi-final since 2010 offers Spain another shot at history, with the encouraging statistic that they have progressed from six of their last seven semi-finals at major tournaments.

All eyes will be on Barcelona teenager Lamine Yamal, who has yet to hit top form in North America, but few players are more capable of producing a match-winning moment on the biggest stage.

Team news & line-ups

Mbappe had to come off in the second half against Morocco, handing Deschamps a huge concern ahead of this clash, but he should be available to start.

De la Fuente has a full squad at his disposal, including Pedri, who appeared to struggle with fatigue in the closing stages of their quarter-final win over Belgium.

France (4-2-3-1): Maignan; Kounde, Upamecano, Saliba, Digne; Kone, Rabiot; Dembele, Olise, Doue; Mbappe.

Spain (4-2-3-1): Simon; Porro, Cubarsi, Laporte, Cucurella; Rodri, Fabian; Yamal, Olmo, Baena; Oyarzabal.

Prediction

Although Spain are just one game short of equalling Argentina’s all-time unbeaten record in regulation time, France look unstoppable at the moment.

Les Bleus cannot realistically hope to have another walk in the park, but they possess too much quality across the pitch to miss out on another World Cup final.

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Source: Footballtoday.com