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World Cup 2026

Five classic France v Spain clashes before World Cup semi-final

They meet in a heavyweight World Cup semi-final showdown on July 14.

(FILES) French forward Thierry Henry (L) and teammate midfielder Zinedine Zidane (C) celebrate next to Spanish defender Sergio Ramos (R) at the end of the World Cup 2006 round of 16 football game Spain vs. France, on June 27, 2006 at Hanover stadium. (Photo by Patrik STOLLARZ / AFP)

Will we hear Wonderwall on Sunday? Yes, England will win the World Cup

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Fearsome attack, fitness, and mental edge to carry France to World Cup glory

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At World Cup ticket prices, even Lionel Messi can’t fill a stadium

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FIFA to discuss World Cup expansion to 64 teams before 2030 event, says Gianni Infantino

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In-depth

Mission creep: FIFA’s embrace of technology backfires in controversy-riven World Cup

Charges have ranged from overreach and inconsistency of application, to full-blown conspiracy theories.

Egypt coach Hossam Hassan is shown a yellow card by referee Francois Letexier during his team’s round of 16 match against Argentina on July 7. Egypt went on to lose 3-2. Hassan said Egypt was “cheated”.

Africa can look back on World Cup with satisfaction despite no top-four finish

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Expanded World Cup; same old story as Europe dominates quarter-finals

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Interactives
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World Cup challenge: 26 iconic moments

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Track your path to 2026 World Cup glory with The Straits Times’ results simulator

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Can you replicate Haan’s howitzer in our bonus Goal of the Day?

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Who is your football twin? A closer look at the physical makeup of a World Cup squad

Latest

France do not fear Spain but respect their quality, say Ibrahima Konate and Maxence Lacroix

Les Bleus lost to La Roja in the semi-finals of Euro 2024 and the 2025 Nations League.

France are aware of Spain’s quality, with the Spanish side conceding just one goal in the entire tournament.

Lamine Yamal aims to steal Kylian Mbappe’s World Cup thunder in semi-final showdown

Striker Alexander Sorloth faces online abuse after Norway’s exit from World Cup

Slaven Bilic returns as Croatia coach after Zlatko Dalic’s exit

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MDDI (P) 046/10/2025. Published by SPH Media Limited, Co. Regn. No.202120748H. Copyright © 2026 SPH Media Limited. All rights reserved.