Kylian Mbappe

News analysis

France fail World Cup Spanish test in spectacular fashion

France were outclassed by Spain in their semi-final clash on July 14.

Dominant Spain beat France 2-0 to reach World Cup final

Spain’s Pedro Porro scored Spain’s second goal.

Spain apologises for ex-PM’s column questioning ‘Frenchness’ of France team

Former Spanish Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy wrote in online publication El Debate on July 10 that France would be a formidable adversary, before questioning the team’s “Frenchness”.

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

(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)

‘Final before final’: France face Spain in World Cup blockbuster

France captain Kylian Mbappe, head coach Didier Deschamps and the rest of the team have good camaraderie.

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

(COMBO) This combination of files photos created on July 12, 2026, shows France's forward #10 Kylian Mbappe in Foxborough on July 9, 2026 (L); and Spain's forward #19 Lamine Yamal in Arlington on July 6, 2026. France and Spain will meet in a 2026 World Cup semi-finall football match at the Dallas Stadium in Arlington on July 14, 2026. (Photo by Mauro PIMENTEL and Thomas COEX / AFP)

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

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

Didier Deschamps leads France to familiar territory in final World Cup

TOPSHOT - France's forward #10 Kylian Mbappe and head coach Didier Deschamps hug after winning the 2026 World Cup football tournament quarter-final match between France and Morocco at Boston Stadium in Foxborough on July 9, 2026. (Photo by FRANCK FIFE / AFP)

France fuelled by unshakeable belief: Didier Deschamps

France

Morocco have to accept defeat after being beaten by ‘better’ France

Morocco were disappointed to lose in the quarter-finals but can hold their heads high after a decent tournament.

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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.