The World Cup has entered its final week. Today, at 22.00, the semi-final between France and Spain is scheduled. And “Les Bleus” coach Didier Deschamps believes that the Iberians are favorites.
In a press conference, the former France international said he did not make that statement “to put pressure on Luis (de la Fuente, Spain coach) and his team. People have high expectations from Spain. They know how to attack, defend well and not concede goals. It could be a spectacular match between two teams with offensive qualities“.
Deschamps, of course, also referred to his students: “We are also a team that needs the ball, capable of creating problems for the opponents. It will be a showdown. There is no question of rematch (na – after the defeats suffered at Euro 2024 and in the League of Nations 2025). What happened, happened. What I care about is tomorrow“.
Asked how his team will defend against Spanish star Lamine Yamal, the French coach said that “the important thing is to limit his influence. One-on-one is difficult, but one-on-one duels against some of my players will not be a walk in the park.”
Deschamps also referred to the health of Kylian Mbappe, who left the field after injuring his right ankle towards the end of the match against Morocco (2-0) in the quarter-finals: “Kylian is fine. He is one hundred percent.”
As for Aurelien Tchouameni, who missed the last two games, against Paraguay (1-0) and Morocco (2-0), due to an adductor injury, Deschamps admitted that the Real Madrid player is not fully recovered but will be “available”, without revealing whether he will start against Spain: “His last game was 15 days ago, but that is not a decisive factor”.
Rabiot says that France is not afraid of anyone
Midfielder Adrien Rabiot was upbeat ahead of the Spain clash, saying the France side “fear no one. Considering our run so far, I think we’re approaching the semi-final in the best possible shape. Everything is looking good. I don’t think we could have arrived in better condition.”
This indirectly responded to the statements of Lamine Yamal, who had said last Friday: “If there is anyone France should be afraid of, it is us. We were the ones who eliminated them last time. We will see what happens, but we are not afraid.”
Rabiot also stated that there will be no “anti-Yamal plan” aimed at blocking the Barcelona player, who caused great problems for the French team in the semi-finals of Euro 2024 (1-2) and in the final of the League of Nations in 2025 (4-5). “We’re focusing on the Spain team. We’re not focusing on one player. We know they’re dangerous in all aspects, whether it’s him, their attack, possession, playing in tight spaces near the box or combinational play. So we have to focus on those aspects, not on one individual.”
The AC Milan player emphasized that there is cohesion within the France squad: “There is a state of real harmony. Things are going really well off the pitch and I think that plays a huge part in our success. There have also been situations that have brought us closer. For example, the difficulties the coach has gone through (na – Didier Deschamps lost his mother at the start of the tournament). And the fact that this is his last tournament at the helm of the team France, there are so many factors that make us feel it is the right time,” concluded Rabiot.
The France – Spain match will be played today (Tuesday, July 14, 2026), from 22.00, being broadcast by Antena 1. The same television station will also broadcast the other semi-final of the football WC, England – Argentina, which will be played tomorrow, from 22.00.
