Deschamps crowns Spain favourites ahead of Dallas semi‑final showdown

Didier Deschamps insisted that Spain are the favourites in the World Cup 2026 semi‑final against his France side and predicted a spectacular game in Dallas, despite France occupying the top spot in the world rankings throughout the tournament so far. France top the world rankings and have often been described as the best team in the tournament so far. Spain, however, won Euro 2024 by beating France in the semi‑finals. Spain also defeated Deschamps’ side in last year’s Nations League. Deschamps has spent the World Cup claiming that Spain are the likeliest winners and has maintained that view even though France have scored five more goals and won all of their games.

Scorching Dallas heat tests Mbappé as France eye World Cup semi‑final

“If you see what Spain have done in the first match against Cape Verde, forget about that, but in the rest Spain confirmed they are the favourite,” Deschamps said. “I don’t want to add extra pressure to Luis de la Fuente and their team, he knows very well people are expecting greatly of their team.” “They can attack and defend very well, they only conceded one goal,” he added. “Luis and myself, we know how to defend well but with the quality of the two teams offensively we could think it is going to be a spectacular game.”

Mbappé declared fit for Tuesday semi as Deschamps backs France

Kylian Mbappe came off in the quarter‑final win over Morocco with ice on his ankle but said after the match that he was fine. The French captain has scored eight goals in this World Cup and trained today. He will be fit to start for France in their World Cup 2026 semi‑final (Getty). Aurelien Tchouameni is fit again after a groin problem. He was named as a substitute against Morocco but Deschamps deemed the risk too great; the Real Madrid midfielder is now available and could feature.