Tournament favourites France take on European champions Spain in what could be the standout match of the 2026 World Cup, with a place in the final on the line in Arlington on Tuesday.
Les Bleus are hoping to reach a third consecutive World Cup final, while La Roja are targeting a return to the game’s biggest game for the first time since they lifted the trophy back in 2010.
The winner of this tie will go on to face either holders Argentina or England in the final.
France vs. Spain betting picks and predictions
Both teams to score (-150)
Spain started this tournament with five straight clean sheets, largely due to their ability to completely dominate possession against inferior opponents.
They were barely troubled in a straightforward group and they had little issue seeing off Austria in their first knockout match.
They conceded only three shots on target across their first four matches at the tournament, but that's changed as the quality of opposition has improved.
La Roja have conceded two shots on target in each of the last two rounds, seeing off Portugal and Belgium.
Their clean sheet streak was snapped in their 2-1 victory over the Belgians in the quarter-finals and now they're facing their biggest test of the tournament so far.
France have scored 16 times in six matches in North America, with their front four in incredible form.
Les Bleus look miles away from the functional sides they fielded at the previous two editions of the World Cup, with coach Didier Deschamps seeming to let off the handbrake in his final tournament in charge.
They do look vulnerable at the back and they lack the quality in midfield to match Spain's talent.
Deschamps' side conceded in group wins over Norway and Senegal, while they failed to keep clean sheets in five matches ahead of the tournament.
Spain ran out 5-4 winners when these two sides crossed paths in the Nations League in June of last year, so goals should be on the cards when they meet in Arlington.
Kylian Mbappe to score anytime (+125)
Kylian Mbappe has been a key factor behind France's success this summer, with the Real Madrid forward scoring half of their goals at this tournament.
Mbappe has eight strikes in six appearances and he's now scored 16 goals across his last 15 starts for his national team.
France's all-time leading scorer has found the net in each of their three knockout matches so far, while he was on target in that Nations League defeat last summer.
His form at this tournament is a far cry from his struggles at Euro 2024, when his only goal came from the penalty spot in the group stage.
Mbappe is now the second-highest scorer in World Cup history at just 27 years old.
The Frenchman is locked in a battle with Lionel Messi to win the Golden Boot and become the tournament’s record scorer.
Back him to continue that push with a strike against Spain. He is +375 to open the scoring for the fourth game running, while he is +125 to score anytime.
Fulltime score - 1-1 (+550)
Spain have been bailed out late on by Mikel Merino in consecutive rounds, but this could be the game where they finally face extra-time.
For all of France's swagger in the group stage, their previous two rounds have been harder-fought victories.
Both Paraguay and Morocco frustrated them in the first half of their respective meetings, with Mbappe finally breaking their resistance.
However, Spain finally look back to full strength in attack, with Nico Williams returning to fitness in the win over Belgium.
The European champions can get on the scoresheet and their possession-heavy style should offer a different challenge to France's forwards.
The draw is in play here at +225, while a 1-1 correct score at fulltime offers plenty of value at +550.
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France vs. Spain odds
France | +135 |
Tie | +225 |
Spain | +210 |
France vs. Spain player props
Anytime goalscorer
Kylian Mbappe (France) | +125 |
Mikel Oyarzabal (Spain) | +188 |
Lamine Yamal (Spain) | +240 |
Ousmane Dembele (France) | +250 |
Michael Olise (France) | +300 |
Desire Doue (France) | +300 |
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This article was written by a partner sports writer via Spotlight Sports Group. All odds displayed on this page were correct at the time of writing and are subject to withdrawal or change at any time.
