InsightsJuly 11, 202616 min read

France World Cup 2026 Semi-Final Analysis — Mbappé 1 Goal From Messi's All-Time Record | Spain Preview

France are two wins from a third World Cup title, facing Spain in the semi-final on July 14 at AT&T Stadium, Dallas. Mbappé has 8 goals and 3 assists this tournament — 20 career World Cup goals, just 1 behind Messi's all-time record of 21. After dispatching Morocco 2-0 in the QF (scoring and assisting after missing a penalty), France face their toughest test yet: Spain, who have beaten them in 3 of their last 4 competitive meetings. Full analysis: tournament path, Mbappé's record chase, QF performance, squad depth, why Spain is the ultimate challenge, France's perfect WC SF record (4-0), and Dixon-Coles projections — France ~45% to win the SF, ~25% to win it all.