France national team boss Didier Deschamps has predicted a 'spectacular' semi-final against Spain in the ongoing World Cup in Dallas. The semi-final between the two European heavyweights is set to take place on 13 July 2026, with Spain being touted as the favourites.
Deschamps, who is stepping down as France's boss at the end of the tournament after 14 years in charge, believes that his team can cause an upset against the Spanish side. 'They have only conceded one goal in six games,' he said, 'We know this could be a most spectacular game.'
However, Spain's boss Luis de la Fuente has downplayed the favourites tag, stating that it does not mean any additional pressure on his team. 'We are two great national teams facing one another,' he said. 'Whether we are favourites or not doesn't mean further pressure for us.'
The semi-final is set to be an exciting affair, with France's Kylian Mbappe needing just one goal to move above Argentina's Lionel Messi in the Golden Boot standings. France have scored 16 times in six games at this tournament, with Mbappe getting eight of those and assisting a further three.
Spain's Luis de la Fuente used a quote from Roman general Julius Caesar in his news conference, stating that 'you can't win without suffering.' He believes that his team will have to face their opponents head-on in order to achieve victory.
The semi-final is set to be a closely contested match, with both teams having shown their quality in the previous rounds. France will become only the third country to reach three straight World Cup finals if they win in Texas, a feat that West Germany and Brazil have already achieved.