France captain Kylian Mbappe suffered an ankle injury during his side’s FIFA World Cup 2026 quarter-final win over Morocco last week and was substituted during the match, despite the setback, France secured a 2-0 victory to reach the semi-finals. The injury is not expected to keep Mbappe out of France’s highly anticipated semi-final against Spain at Dallas Stadium. Head coach Didier Deschamps confirmed that the star forward is available for selection.&nbsp;“Kylian is fine," Didier Deschamps said, confirming the World Cup‘s joint-leading scorer’s availability.&nbsp;&nbsp;Although the 28-year-old did not complete the entire training session, the coach dismissed concerns about his fitness.&nbsp;“Yes, he trained. He is allowed to do 10 minutes in one drill instead of 15," Deschamps explained.&nbsp;Also Read - <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/fifa-2026-bellingham-emulates-maradona-from-1986-before-semis-against-argentina-1784013087409">FIFA 2026 | Bellingham emulates Maradona from 1986 before semis against Argentina</a><h3>Spain are the favourites, says Deschamps</h3>Even though France are unbeaten in the tournament, Deschamps believes Spain enter the semi-final as favourites.&nbsp;“Forget about the first game against Cape Verde," Deschamps said of Spain’s campaign that began with a 0-0 draw against the World Cup debutants. “Ever since then, Spain have confirmed that they are the favourites."

FIFA World Cup 2026 Live on Zee5

His comments came after Spain youngster Lamine Yamal confidently spoke about his team’s chances following their quarter-final victory over Belgium.&nbsp;“I believe if France has to fear anyone, it should be us, in my opinion. We were the ones that knocked them out before," Yamal had said.&nbsp;Also Read - <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/fifa-2026-100-000-fans-and-a-royal-salute-norway-welcomes-home-world-cup-heroes-despite-quarter-final-heartbreak-1784001320702">FIFA 2026 | Norway welcomes home world cup heroes despite QF heartbreak</a>&nbsp;France and Spain have met only once before in World Cup history, with France claiming a 3-1 win in the 2006 Round of 16. However, Spain have won the last two meetings between the teams in all competitions.&nbsp;The second semi-final will see defending champions Argentina take on England and the final is scheduled for Jul 19 (Jul 20 in India) at New Jersey Stadium.

Kylian Mbappe did not join France's full training session before their FIFA World Cup 2026 semifinal against Spain. However, it was only a precaution and he is still expected to be available for the match.

France captain Kylian Mbappe suffered an ankle injury during his side’s FIFA World Cup 2026 quarter-final win over Morocco last week and was substituted during the match, despite the setback, France secured a 2-0 victory to reach the semi-finals. The injury is not expected to keep Mbappe out of France’s highly anticipated semi-final against Spain at Dallas Stadium. Head coach Didier Deschamps confirmed that the star forward is available for selection. “Kylian is fine," Didier Deschamps said, confirming the World Cup‘s joint-leading scorer’s availability. Although the 28-year-old did not complete the entire training session, the coach dismissed concerns about his fitness. “Yes, he trained. He is allowed to do 10 minutes in one drill instead of 15," Deschamps explained. Also Read - FIFA 2026 | Bellingham emulates Maradona from 1986 before semis against Argentina Spain are the favourites, says Deschamps Even though France are unbeaten in the tournament, Deschamps believes Spain enter the semi-final as favourites. “Forget about the first game against Cape Verde," Deschamps said of Spain’s campaign that began with a 0-0 draw against the World Cup debutants. “Ever since then, Spain have confirmed that they are the favourites."

Kylian Mbappe did not join France's full training session before their FIFA World Cup 2026 semifinal against Spain. However, it was only a precaution and he is still expected to be available for the match.

FIFA World Cup 2026: Is Kylian Mbappe fit for the semifinal clash against Spain?

France and Spain, the two heavyweights of world football and top contenders for a World Cup crown in North America, will face off in the first semifinal on Wednesday (Jul 15). They will meet only for the second time in the tournament’s history and the first since their only face-off during the 2006 edition. France and Spain have both won the coveted prize. While France is a two-time winner (1998 and 2018), Spain won its only FIFA World Cup in 2010 in South Africa.&nbsp;With the two fighting for a spot in the final this time, we take a look at their recent history, overall head-to-head record and what happened during their last World Cup meet-up 20 years ago.<h3>What happened in 2006?</h3>France and Spain met in a high-stakes Round of 16 match in the 2006 World Cup, where Spain opened the scoring through David Villa’s penalty in the 28th minute. Les Bleus then made a stunning comeback in the match, with winger Franck Ribéry equalising right before the half-time break. France carried the momentum in the second half and struck two more goals through Patrick Vieira (83rd minute) and Zinédine Zidane in stoppage time (92nd minute) to beat Spain and advance to the last four.&nbsp;Also read| <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/fifa-2026-england-3-2-argentina-how-one-of-the-most-fiercest-rivalries-in-world-cup-developed-over-years-1783926605193">FIFA 2026 | England 3-2 Argentina - How one of the most fiercest rivalries in World Cup developed over years</a>&nbsp;Although they failed to win the World Cup that year, with Italy walking out as eventual winners (by beating France in the final), France would like to get one step ahead this time when they face the Euro winners in a pulsating contest in Dallas.<h3>Overall record</h3>While their World Cup history is brief, the two have faced off plenty of times over the years.&nbsp;Having met 38 times in total, including during international friendlies and even at the Euros, Spain leads France (18-13) in the overall standings, with seven games ending in draws.

<h3>Recent Meetings</h3>France and Spain have met as recently as during the Nations League Cup semis in 2025, where Spain edged France 5-4 in a nine-goal thriller, powered by Lamine Yamal’s brace.&nbsp;A year earlier, during the 2024 Euros semifinal, Spain beat France 2-1, with Yamal and Dani Olmo scoring.&nbsp;The French side tasted success in the 2021 UEFA Nations League Final by beating Spain 2-1.&nbsp;Meanwhile, at the FIFA World Cup, France captain and striker Kylian Mbappé jointly leads the goals tally with Argentine skipper Lionel Messi (eight goals each), who will face England in the other semifinal.

France and Spain clash in a blockbuster 2026 World Cup semifinal in Dallas. Check out their overall head-to-head records, recent results, and 2006 drama.

France and Spain, the two heavyweights of world football and top contenders for a World Cup crown in North America, will face off in the first semifinal on Wednesday (Jul 15). They will meet only for the second time in the tournament’s history and the first since their only face-off during the 2006 edition. France and Spain have both won the coveted prize. While France is a two-time winner (1998 and 2018), Spain won its only FIFA World Cup in 2010 in South Africa. With the two fighting for a spot in the final this time, we take a look at their recent history, overall head-to-head record and what happened during their last World Cup meet-up 20 years ago. What happened in 2006? France and Spain met in a high-stakes Round of 16 match in the 2006 World Cup, where Spain opened the scoring through David Villa’s penalty in the 28th minute. Les Bleus then made a stunning comeback in the match, with winger Franck Ribéry equalising right before the half-time break. France carried the momentum in the second half and struck two more goals through Patrick Vieira (83rd minute) and Zinédine Zidane in stoppage time (92nd minute) to beat Spain and advance to the last four. Also read| FIFA 2026 | England 3-2 Argentina - How one of the most fiercest rivalries in World Cup developed over years Although they failed to win the World Cup that year, with Italy walking out as eventual winners (by beating France in the final), France would like to get one step ahead this time when they face the Euro winners in a pulsating contest in Dallas. Overall record While their World Cup history is brief, the two have faced off plenty of times over the years. Having met 38 times in total, including during international friendlies and even at the Euros, Spain leads France (18-13) in the overall standings, with seven games ending in draws.

France and Spain clash in a blockbuster 2026 World Cup semifinal in Dallas. Check out their overall head-to-head records, recent results, and 2006 drama.

France vs Spain, World Cup Semifinal: Head-to-head record, 2006 drama, and recent history

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FIFA World Cup 2026: Is Kylian Mbappe fit for the semifinal clash against Spain?

France vs Spain: WC semifinal: Head-to-head record, 2006 drama & recent history