Spain and France Set for Dramatic World Cup Semifinal After High-Scoring Nations League Clash

Spain secured a dramatic 2-1 victory over Belgium on Friday to advance to the World Cup semifinals, where they will face France on Tuesday at 22:00. This upcoming match is highly anticipated, often described as a potential final between these two European football powerhouses.

The last encounter between Spain and France took place on June 5, 2025, in the UEFA Nations League semifinal at the Neckarstadion in Stuttgart. Although less prestigious than the World Cup, the match featured top players such as Kylian Mbappe, Michael Olise, Ousmane Dembele, Lamin Yamal, Pedri, and Nico Williams, all eager to win.

In that thrilling game, Spain took an early lead with goals from Nico Williams and Mikel Merino by the 25th minute. Lamin Yamal added a penalty in the 54th minute, followed by Pedri scoring shortly after to make it 4-0. France fought back with a penalty goal by Mbappe in the 59th minute, but Yamal completed his brace in the 67th minute. Despite a late French surge with goals from Ryan Cherki (79'), Danny Vivian (own goal, 84'), and Randal Kolo Muani (90+3'), Spain held on to win 5-4.

This match marked the highest-scoring game between France and Spain since a 1-8 friendly in 1929, underscoring the intensity and competitiveness expected in their upcoming World Cup semifinal clash.