“It’s not an exaggeration to call this match the final before the final.” Spain’s head coach Luis de la Fuente couldn’t have summed up the stakes any clearer after his team’s quarterfinal victory over Belgium. Didier Deschamps, France’s manager, had already tipped Spain as “the clear favorite” ahead of the tournament.

The stage is set for a blockbuster semifinal

Both teams arrive at this point with impeccable defensive records—France and Spain have conceded just two and one goals respectively throughout the tournament. Only Colombia (one goal conceded, but already eliminated) matches their defensive solidity. England and Argentina, the other semifinalists, have each shipped six goals and managed just two clean sheets apiece.

But defensive mastery isn’t all that sets these sides apart. FIFA’s statistics reveal a relentless attacking intent: the two teams have combined for 110 shots on target—only Belgium (112) has been more prolific. England and Argentina lag far behind with 94 and 98 attempts respectively. “This promises to be a spectacular encounter,” Deschamps noted in his pre-match press briefing.

While Spain has scored just 11 goals—the fewest among the four semifinalists—France has found the net 16 times. But numbers don’t tell the whole story. Lamine Yamal and Michael Olise, each with five assists, are the creative engines driving their teams forward. And they’re not alone.

The power of the bench could decide the outcome

Spain’s midfield depth is legendary. Mikel Merino, who came off the bench to score the winner against Portugal in stoppage time and again against Belgium in added time, embodies the team’s resilience. With Rodri (Ballon d’Or 2024 winner) orchestrating play (629 passes—the most in the tournament), and a supporting cast including Gavi, Pedri, and Zubimendi, Spain’s engine room is second to none.

France’s bench is no less formidable. Bradley Barcola, introduced against Senegal in the group stage, scored within two minutes to spark a nervous French side. Désiré Doué, who earned a penalty against Paraguay after entering as a late substitute, has injected fresh dynamism into the left flank alongside Warren Zaïre-Emery, Malo Gusto, and Rayan Cherki—all of whom have delivered when called upon.

A rivalry fueled by recent dominance

Spain’s resurgence over the past two years has been nothing short of spectacular. After securing the European Championship in 2024 and the Nations League in 2025—both times eliminating France in the semifinals—the Roja have firmly reclaimed their status as a footballing powerhouse.

Their 2-1 victory over a lackluster French side in Euro 2024’s semifinals (scoring just once from the penalty spot in the group stage) was followed by a dramatic 5-4 comeback after trailing 5-1 in the Nations League semifinal last year. “We know their potential, but we’re the only team to have beaten them in two semifinals,” de la Fuente asserted. “If anyone should be feared, it’s us.”

Lamine Yamal echoed that confidence: “We’re not afraid. We beat them last time, and we’ll see what happens.” Ibrahima Konaté, France’s defender, responded with characteristic resolve: “We don’t fear anyone. We stay humble and avoid falling into their trap.”

The last time Spain entered a match with such swagger—even vowing to “retire” a Real Madrid player—the French side, led by Zinédine Zidane, dismantled them 3-1 in the 1998 World Cup round of 16. With no Real Madrid players in their squad but eight from Barcelona, Spain may have an extra incentive to prove their mettle against Mbappé and Tchouameni.