“It’s not an exaggeration to call this match the final before the final.” Spanish manager Luis de la Fuente didn’t mince his words after his team’s quarter-final victory over Belgium, setting up a blockbuster semi-final against France. Didier Deschamps, France’s coach, had already tipped Spain as tournament favorites before the competition began.

The two teams arrive at this stage with contrasting styles but identical ambitions: to claim the ultimate prize and add a third star to their jerseys on Sunday. After meeting in the semi-finals of Euro 2024 and the 2025 Nations League, this World Cup showdown promises to settle the score between the two European heavyweights.

Why this semi-final feels like the real final

France and Spain have conceded just three goals between them in this World Cup so far—two for France, one for Spain—placing them at the top of the tournament’s defensive rankings. Colombia is the only other team with just one goal conceded, but they were eliminated in the Round of 16. Spain has gone five matches without conceding, one more than France’s four. The other two semi-finalists, Argentina and England, have each let in six goals and managed only two clean sheets.

But defensive solidity isn’t the only story. Both teams are also among the most attacking in the tournament. FIFA statistics show they’ve combined for 110 shots on goal, second only to Belgium’s 112. Argentina managed 98 and England 94. While Spain has scored just 11 goals—the lowest among semi-finalists—France has found the net 16 times, trailing only Argentina.

“This could be a spectacular match.”

Didier Deschamps, France coach

Key playmakers like Spain’s Lamine Yamal and France’s Michael Olise—who leads the tournament with five assists—highlight the creative firepower each team brings. But it’s not just the stars who can make an impact.

Substitutes who could decide the match

Spain’s midfield depth is legendary. Mikel Merino, who came off the bench to score the winning goal against Portugal in stoppage time during the Round of 16, repeated the feat in the 88th minute against Belgium in the quarter-finals. The depth continues with players like Gavi, Pedri, Rodri, and Zubimendi—midfielders who can interchange seamlessly without losing intensity. Rodri, the 2024 Ballon d’Or winner, tops the tournament with 629 passes, making him the fulcrum of Spain’s possession game. Meanwhile, Lamine Yamal may have scored just once, but his dribbling and ability to create space for teammates like Oyarzabal, Ferran Torres, and Dani Olmo keeps defenses on edge.

France’s bench has been equally influential. Bradley Barcola, who came on against Senegal in the opening match and scored within two minutes to spark a nervous team, went on to find the net again as a starter against Sweden in the Round of 16. Désiré Doué, who entered as a late substitute against Paraguay and won a penalty, has injected pace and creativity down the left flank, alongside Manu Koné, Malo Gusto, Warren Zaïre-Emery, and Rayan Cherki—each bringing something different to the attack.

A rivalry that’s reached boiling point

After dominating international football with a golden generation featuring Xavi and Iniesta, Spain faded before roaring back to win Euro 2024 and the 2025 Nations League—both times eliminating France in the semi-finals. Their Euro 2024 victory came after France managed just one goal in the group stage, with Spain prevailing 2–1 in the semi-final. A year later, Spain took a commanding 4–0 lead after 55 minutes, then 5–1 by the 67th minute—only for France to fight back and lose 5–4.

“We know their potential, but we also know we’re the only team to have beaten them in two semi-finals,” De la Fuente said. “If anyone should fear someone, it’s us. We beat them last time. We’ll see what happens, but we’re not afraid.”

Lamine Yamal added with confidence and a hint of provocation: “He’s saying exactly what he means. You shouldn’t fear anyone. Stay humble and don’t fall into that trap, especially at this stage of the tournament.”

France defender Ibrahima Konaté responded: “He says what he wants. We shouldn’t fear anyone. We must stay humble and avoid that trap, especially at this stage.” History reminds us that when Spain has come into a match overconfident—even threatening to push a Real Madrid player into retirement—France has responded. With no Real Madrid players in Spain’s squad this time—only eight from Barcelona—Spain may be eyeing Kylian Mbappé and Aurélien Tchouaméni, two Real Madrid stars with extra motivation for this final-like encounter.