Previewing France vs. Spain in the first World Cup semifinal

The GIST: Saturday saw everyone’s favorite Viking eliminated as (hey) Jude Bellingham’s two goals for England sent Norway rowing back home. Meanwhile, Argentina’s Leo Messi got by with a little help from his friends to bid Switzerland adieu. Wednesday’s newsletter will have all the deets on that epic semifinal, because we have to focus on tomorrow’s between France and Spain.

• Their most recent big stage matchups saw Spain eliminate France 2–1 in the 2024 Euros semis and again 5–4 in the 2025 UEFA Nations League semis— now the giants face off for a third time in two years tomorrow at 3 p.m. ET with even more on the line.

🇫🇷 Kylian Mbappé looking to lead France to third straight WC final: Les Bleus have been unstoppable so far, winning all six of their WC games while outscoring their opponents 16–2, including a 2–0 QFs thumping of Morocco. Incredibly, this is all Mbappé knows — he’s played in both WC finals since his 2018 debut at the ripe age of 19, winning one and losing the other.

• But the Golden Boot leader’s not doing it alone. With reigning Ballon d’Or winner Ousmane Dembélé backing him up, Mbappé switched into the central attacker spot and the result has been goals galore.

🇪🇸 Spain finally appears in-form after a slow WC start: La Roja surprisingly drew with beloved newcomer Cabo Verde in their first group-stage game, but have since found their footing and returned several key players from injury. Plus, they’ve allowed just one goal this entire tournament and that was in Friday’s 2–1 QF win over Belgium.

• Spanish teenage forward phenom Lamine Yamal will do his best to disappoint France, along with midfielder Mikel Merino, who has come off the bench and scored twice in the knockouts. Olé.