One hundred games down, four (including the third-place playoff) to go, starting with perhaps the most tantalizing match-up of the 2026 World Cup so far. France’s encounter with Spain has the potential to define the entire tournament.
France are the favorites to lift their second World Cup in three attempts. Their forward line is ferocious and Didier Deschamps is empowering his best players to reach peak performance. Kylian Mbappé, Ousmane Dembélé and Michael Olise are enough to send a shiver down the spine of any opposition defense.
Meanwhile, Spain have the technical ability to control any game. The European champions may not have reached the standards they set for themselves at Euro 2024, but they have made it this far despite not performing at their best. They have another gear or two to shift into.
Here is your complete guide on how to watch today’s World Cup game, including kick-off times, broadcast networks and online streaming options.
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France v Spain
Time (ET): 3pm
Stadium: Dallas Stadium
How to watch
United States: Fox / Telemundo (Stream on Fubo)
Canada: TSN (Stream)
United Kingdom: ITV1 (Stream)
Australia: SBS (Stream)
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What to watch for
This is the match the entire World Cup has built to. France and Spain have been the tournament’s two strongest teams, but only one of them can progress to the final. The key to the match could be Spain’s security in defensive transition and whether or not France can expose them on the break.
Spain have conceded just once in six games so far, keeping clean sheets against Cape Verde, Saudi Arabia, Uruguay, Austria and Portugal. This is largely due to their control in games, illustrated by the fact no team has averaged a higher share of possession than Luis de la Fuente’s side.
France, however, could be geared to playing on the break. Mbappé, Dembélé and Olise, as well as Désiré Doué and Bradley Barcola, all possess pace and could thrive in quick transition to get in behind the Spanish backline. The tactical match-up could suit them. Deschamps is accustomed to playing this way.
Player to watch: Lamine Yamal, Spain – A whole host of French and Spanish players could be listed as must-watch, but Yamal could have a greater influence over the outcome of the semi-final than anyone else. If the teenager brings his A game, France could be undone.
What to read
France unleashed: reinvention could earn Deschamps all-time great status
