World Cup 2026: Deschamps Labels Spain Favorites vs France
ARLINGTON, Texas — France head coach Didier Deschamps has labeled Spain as the “favorites” ahead of Tuesday’s blockbuster World Cup semi-final, while insisting his side is ready for a high-stakes battle at AT&T Stadium.
The clash, scheduled for July 14, carries extra weight as it falls on Bastille Day, France’s National Day. Deschamps, who guided France to the finals in 2018 and 2022, is aiming for a third consecutive World Cup final appearance.
“I confirm that Spain is the favorite,” Deschamps told reporters during a pre-match press conference. “Aside from their opening match against Cape Verde, their performances have confirmed everything I thought. This isn’t about putting pressure on Luis de la Fuente; it is a recognition that they are a team that knows how to attack and defend equally well.”
A Clash of Styles
Spain enters the semi-final having conceded only one goal in six matches. Deschamps noted that Spain’s defensive record is a byproduct of their dominance. “They want the ball, and if they’ve only conceded once, it’s because their opponents struggle to keep possession. We also prioritize the ball, so it will be a very close contest.”
While some see the match as a chance for revenge after Spain eliminated France in the Euro 2024 semi-finals, Deschamps dismissed the notion, preferring to focus on the “spectacular” potential of two offensive powerhouses meeting on the world’s biggest stage.
Mbappé at ‘100 Percent’
The French camp received a major boost with Deschamps confirming that captain Kylian Mbappé is fully fit. “Kylian is doing well. He is at 100 percent,” the coach stated.
Midfielder Warren Zaïre-Emery added that Mbappé is particularly motivated to face the Spanish side. “We all know Kylian. He is a high-level player and a three-time MVP in this tournament. He does not like losing to Spain, and he will do everything possible to win,” the PSG star said.
‘We Are Not Afraid’
The buildup to the match has seen a war of words, with Spanish teenage sensation Lamine Yamal suggesting France should “be afraid” of his side. Zaïre-Emery was quick to brush off the comment.
“We are France and we are not afraid of anyone,” Zaïre-Emery said. “Social media and press talk make no sense. The game is played on the pitch. Yamal is a player of enormous quality, but Spain is world-class in every position, not just one.”
The Road to the Final
Spain, the 2010 champions and reigning European title holders, reached the semi-finals after a narrow 1-0 victory over Portugal in the Round of 16. France is seeking to reclaim the trophy they won in 2018 after falling short in a penalty shootout against Argentina in the 2022 final.
The winner of Tuesday’s match in Arlington will face either England or defending champions Argentina, who meet in the second semi-final on Wednesday in Atlanta.
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Image: Pexels – Bechir Lachiheb
