France vs Spain – World Cup semi-final Combined XI

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14 July 2026

France take on

Spain

in the semi-finals of the 2026

World Cup

tonight, a clash between, arguably, the two best sides in North America this summer.

With two star-studded sides, choosing a Combined XI was not easy.

Unai Simon’s excellence continues to go somewhat under the radar due to his club loyalties to Athletic Club. At international level, he’s rarely let

down in his 64 caps, and continues to keep David Raya and Joan Garcia sidelined. He’s conceded just once in the tournament so far.

Pedro Porro’s forward threat gives him the nod over Jules Kounde. Only two defenders have created more goalscoring opportunities than Porro at the

, while he was also on target against Austria.

Some past high-profile mistakes on Champions League nights have seen the casual watcher dismiss Upamecano as not truly top level. However, the Frenchman has barely put a foot wrong this summer, after another outstanding season for

Bayern Munich

A Rolls-Royce for

Arsenal

and

France

, Saliba will hope this season’s Premier League success is the start of a trophy-laden period for club and country. He’s a key figure for two teams capable of making that so.

Marc Cucurella will take his tenacious work to

Real Madrid

next season, following a £47m transfer from

Chelsea

. It’s recognition for his superb showings since becoming a

regular in their Euro 2024 success.

Rodri hasn’t quite returned to his very best since that ACL injury, but even this version is a terrific talent. Few nations produce midfielders quite like

Rodri

has been the best of his generation.

Spain dominates the engine room, offering an all-round class that

perhaps lacks. Pedri’s poise and press resistance have made him one of the world’s very best.

Part of a formidable French forward line that has lit up this tournament, no player at the 2026

has more assists than Olise (5). He is one of several Les Bleus’ names who could be a Ballon d’Or contender if

win the trophy.

Breaking up the all-star

attack is

Lamine Yamal

, Spain’s big hope and the most exciting teenage talent on the planet. At just 19, he’s bidding to already become a European Championship and

winner.

The reigning Ballon d’Or holder has been superb for

in North America, scoring five goals and creating two more. His ability to go either way is almost unstoppable.

The best player in the world right now? He’s put his name back into that conversation again this summer. Eight goals have Mbappe on course for a second straight

Golden Boot, an achievement no player has managed before. He’s been sensational.

Read –

France vs Spain – Match preview and team news

See more –

📈 World Cup Power Rankings: And then there were four

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