Spain’s unbeaten run meets France’s World Cup ambition in FIFA semifinal clash

WEB DESK: Spain’s remarkable unbeaten streak faces its biggest challenge yet as they take on defending champions France in a blockbuster FIFA World Cup semifinal clash, with both teams eyeing a place in Sunday’s final.

The highly anticipated showdown has been described by Spain coach Luis de la Fuente as a “final before the final,” with the two European giants meeting in Arlington, Texas, for a place in the tournament’s title decider.

The semifinal brings together two of the world’s top-ranked teams, with France currently leading the FIFA rankings and Spain sitting at No3. Argentina and England, who contest the other semifinal, complete the first-ever World Cup last four featuring the top four-ranked teams.

Spain enter the contest full of confidence after extending their unbeaten run to 36 matches, with 27 victories and nine draws since their defeat to Colombia in March 2024. A win against France would take them closer to matching Italy’s record unbeaten streak.

Midfielder Rodri believes Spain have the ability to overcome the reigning champions, pointing to recent victories over France in the 2025 Nations League semifinal and the 2024 European Championship semifinal, where Spain went on to lift the title.

“France are one of the best teams here, in great form, but so are we,” Rodri said. “We can beat them.”

France, however, are arriving with their own ambitions. The defending champions are aiming to reach a third consecutive World Cup final, a feat achieved only by a select few teams in football history.

French midfielder Kylian Mbappe acknowledged the pressure surrounding the tournament favourites, saying the team cannot relax until they secure another place in the final.

France won their second World Cup title in 2018 before losing the 2022 final to Argentina on penalties. They now hope to continue their dominance on the global stage and strengthen their legacy.

The semifinal will also feature a clash between two generations of attacking talent, with Mbappe leading France’s charge against Spain’s teenage sensation Lamine Yamal, who turned 19 during the tournament.

Mbappe will remain among the leading contenders for the Golden Boot, with eight goals, level with Argentina captain Lionel Messi, while Harry Kane and Jude Bellingham of England remain in contention with six goals each.

Spain’s attacking threat has been spread across the squad, with Mikel Oyarzabal leading their scoring charts with four goals. Mikel Merino has also emerged as a key figure, scoring decisive goals as a substitute in their last two matches.

Despite scoring only once in the tournament, Yamal has continued to attract global attention through his creativity, movement and ability to influence matches. His performance in Spain’s quarterfinal victory over Belgium earned him the player of the match award.

As the two European powerhouses prepare for their semifinal battle, Spain’s consistency and unbeaten momentum will collide with France’s experience and hunger for another World Cup triumph.