Soccer
In what is a blockbuster World Cup semi-final showdown on Tuesday night, France and Spain will meet at the AT&T Stadium.
With the entire sporting world fixed on North America for the 2026 World Cup, there are plenty of attractive betting promotions available.
Verdict: Both teams to score
Best Odds: 8/11
Bookmaker: 1xBet
France
Starting with France, while Les Bleus might have eventually relinquished their World Cup crown over in Qatar four years ago, Didier Deschamps’ superstar squad are almost universally regarded as a standout title contender in North America this summer. Embarking on what has been a sensational run over the past month, the European giants have gained a fearsome reputation from across the globe. Extending on their World Cup adventure last week and punching their semi-final spot thanks to a deserved 2-0 victory against Morocco, Les Bleus are riding a serious wave of momentum. Signing off their group stage adventure with a remarkable 4-1 victory against Norway on June 26th, France have won all of their six World Cup appearances in North America by an aggregate score of 16-2.
France Team News
Enjoying what has been an astonishing North American run this summer and already registering eight World Cup strikes, attacking talisman and influential skipper Kylian Mbappe will lead France out on Tuesday night. Likewise, bagging his own quarter-final goal against Morocco last week and notching a fifth strike of the summer, reigning Ballon d’Or winner Ousmane Dembele will partner Mbappe in the final third.
Helping Arsenal clinch a first Premier League title in over two decades last season, William Saliba will start at the heart of Les Bleus’ defence in Arlington and partner Bayern Munich ace Dayot Upamecano.
Spain
As for Spain, producing a dramatic late winner against fellow European giants Belgium over the weekend as they eventually snatched a thrilling 2-1 victory in California, La Roja find themselves in an almost identical position to Tuesday’s opponents. While the reigning European champions might have opened their respective World Cup adventure with an infamous 0-0 stalemate against Cape Verde on June 15th, Luis de la Fuente’s camp have come roaring back in a sensational fashion. Getting their knockout stage charge underway with a statement earlier in the month as they cruised their way to a 3-0 victory against Austria, Spain have now won all of their previous five consecutive World Cup appearances. It should also be highlighted, de la Fuente’s side have not suffered a single competitive defeat across any competition since way back in March 2023.
Spain Team News
Opening his World Cup account with a strike against Saudi Arabia on June 21st, 18-year-old sensation Lamine Yamal should play a leading role in the final third. Impressing on what was a shock recall over the weekend, PSG superstar Fabian Ruiz will be hoping to keep his spot in the middle of the park.
While Arsenal ace Mikel Merino might have once again proved to be Spain’s hero on Friday night following another remarkable late cameo appearance, the former Real Sociedad midfielder will likely be forced to once again settle for a spot on the bench.
France vs Spain Key Factors to Consider
- When France and Spain last met for a Nations League showdown 13 months ago, La Roja clinched a sensational 5-4 victory at the MHPArena.
- La Roja have remarkably not suffered a single competitive defeat across any competition since way back in March 2023.
- France have won all of their six World Cup appearances in North America by an aggregate score of 16-2.
- Real Madrid superstar Kylian Mbappe has registered 11 direct goal contributions in his six World Cup appearances this summer (eight goals, three assists).
- The last three showdowns between France and Spain have produced 15 goals at both ends of the pitch.
Conclusion
Watching the two European giants play out a stunning nine-goal thriller when they last met for a Nations League showdown last summer, neutrals will be hoping for a similar affair on Tuesday night. With all eyes falling on Arlington in midweek, we are set for a blockbuster World Cup semi-final scrap here. It should be noted, with each of the last three competitive matchups between France and Spain producing 15 goals at both ends of the pitch, we are expecting chances to come thick and fast.
Verdict: Both teams to score
Best Odds: 8/11
Bookmaker: 1xBet
Read MoreTom Dunstan