Spain’s impressive unbeaten streak is set to face its toughest test yet as they prepare to clash with defending champions France in a highly anticipated FIFA World Cup semifinal. Both teams are competing for a coveted spot in Sunday’s final.
Described by Spain’s coach Luis de la Fuente as a “final before the final,” the match will take place in Arlington, Texas, featuring two of the world’s top-ranked teams. France currently holds the top position in the FIFA rankings, while Spain is ranked third. The other semifinal will see Argentina face England, marking the first time the World Cup last four consists entirely of the top four ranked teams.
Spain enters the match brimming with confidence after extending their unbeaten run to 36 games, including 27 wins and nine draws since their last loss to Colombia in March 2024. A victory over France would bring them closer to matching Italy’s record unbeaten streak.
Midfielder Rodri expressed belief in Spain’s ability to overcome the reigning champions, citing recent wins against France in the 2025 Nations League semifinal and the 2024 European Championship semifinal, where Spain ultimately claimed the title. “France are one of the best teams here, in great form, but so are we,” Rodri stated. “We can beat them.”
Meanwhile, France arrives with strong ambitions of their own. The defending champions aim to reach a third consecutive World Cup final, a rare achievement in football history. French midfielder Kylian Mbappe acknowledged the pressure on the tournament favourites, emphasizing that the team must remain focused until securing another final berth.
France captured their second World Cup title in 2018 but fell to Argentina on penalties in the 2022 final. They now seek to reinforce their dominance on the global stage and enhance their legacy.
The semifinal will also showcase a duel between two generations of attacking talent, with Mbappe spearheading France’s offense against Spain’s teenage prodigy Lamine Yamal, who celebrated his 19th birthday during the tournament.
Mbappe remains a leading contender for the Golden Boot, tied with Argentina captain Lionel Messi at eight goals each. England’s Harry Kane and Jude Bellingham also remain in the running with six goals apiece.
Spain’s offensive threat is more distributed, with Mikel Oyarzabal leading their scoring with four goals. Mikel Merino has also become a crucial player, netting decisive goals as a substitute in their last two matches.
Although Yamal has scored only once in the tournament, his creativity, movement, and match influence have drawn worldwide attention. His standout performance in Spain’s quarterfinal win over Belgium earned him the player of the match award.
As these two European powerhouses prepare to face off, Spain’s consistency and unbeaten momentum will be tested against France’s experience and determination to secure another World Cup title.
