France vs Spain Tips, Odds & Prediction for World Cup 2026

* Odds from Betway, accurate at the time of writing.

France face Spain at Dallas Stadium in the opening semi-final of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, kicking off at 21:00 CAT on Tuesday. Didier Deschamps' team are yet to let in a goal in the knockout rounds and rely on Kylian Mbappe, the top scorer at this tournament, while Spain come in as the reigning European champions with the most possession-based attack still in the competition. BettingTop10 South Africa believes this will be the closer of the two semi-finals. You can find all our World Cup betting tips in our dedicated section.

France

France have been clinical and composed throughout, winning their group with a perfect record and reaching the final four without letting in a knockout goal after beating Sweden, Paraguay and Morocco. Mbappe has been unstoppable, scoring eight goals in six matches, and I think Deschamps will once more look to hit on the break through Mbappe and the in form Michael Olise. Mbappe is a small worry after coming off with a knock against Morocco, and Aurelien Tchouameni has been nursing a groin issue, but both should be fit. As I see it, the mix of defensive discipline and deadly transitions makes France dangerous for anyone.

Expected Lineup: Maignan; Kounde, Saliba, Upamecano, Digne; Kone, Rabiot; Dembele, Olise, Doue; Mbappe.

Spain

Spain are still the great entertainers, winning their group and then squeezing past Austria, Portugal and Belgium to reach the semi-finals, with Mikel Merino coming off the bench to score crucial late goals. Luis de la Fuente's team control the ball through Pedri and Rodri and pull defences apart with the electric Lamine Yamal, who has fast become a regular in the starting side. Nico Williams is back to fitness but is likely to begin among the substitutes, with Alex Baena holding on to his spot up front. I think Spain's technical edge in midfield is their biggest strength, but pace in behind can hurt them, and that is exactly what France have.

Expected Lineup: Simon; Porro, Cubarsi, Laporte, Cucurella; Rodri, Pedri; Yamal, Olmo, Baena; Oyarzabal

Everything points to a close, tactical semi-final between two teams who know each other well, and I think French defensive solidity will decide it. Spain will have lots of possession, but France are yet to concede in the knockouts and are deadly in transition through Mbappe. I can see one moment of quality settling this. My forecast: France 1 Spain 0.

BTTS: No (2.16)

My pick is BTTS No at 2.16, as I believe France's knockout clean sheets say everything about this team. Deschamps has put together a side that defends as one and gives strikers next to nothing, and I see them keeping Spain at a safe distance. With France likely to drop off and counter, I fancy at least one of the two teams to fail to score.