France Faces Spain in World Cup Semifinal as Mbappé Chases 21-goal Record

Q: With a tournament penalty curse looming, which team holds the mental edge in this Bastille Day showdown?

France appears to hold the mental edge. The strongest evidence is recent and practical: France have already come through a penalty shootout in this tournament, beating Italy under maximum pressure. That matters in a World Cup where conversion rates have been unusually low — 39 of 60, about 65% — and where even elite takers have struggled. France also arrive with the broader psychological lift of six straight wins, five by multiple goals, and a third consecutive World Cup semifinal. Kylian Mbappé’s missed penalty against Morocco is a warning sign, but his response was telling. He recovered immediately, then scored and assisted, which suggests resilience rather than lingering doubt. More broadly, France’s attack has looked ruthless, and teams carrying that kind of form usually enter high-stakes moments with more belief. Spain are mentally strong in other ways: a 36-match unbeaten run, control of games through possession, and the confidence of reigning European champions. But if the question is specifically about a looming penalty curse, the numbers are harsher on Spain. Their World Cup shootout record is poor — one win and four losses — which points to a deeper historical burden. Their quarterfinal against Belgium also exposed some tension, with wasteful finishing and a late winner needed despite territorial dominance. So while both sides carry pressure, France look better equipped psychologically if this semifinal turns into a nerve test, especially from the spot.

3 articles · Updated · FOX Sports · Jul 11

Tuesday’s semifinal in Dallas pits tournament favorites France and Spain a round earlier than expected, with a place in the World Cup final at stake.
France enters with the stronger form: Didier Deschamps’ side has posted five multi-goal wins in six matches and beat Morocco 2-0, with Kylian Mbappé scoring and assisting despite a missed penalty.
Mbappé now has 20 career World Cup goals—one shy of Lionel Messi’s 21-record mark—and has scored in every knockout match France has played, extending his own knockout total to 12.
Spain reached its first semifinal since 2010 after an 88th-minute 2-1 escape against Belgium, ending a 650-minute scoreless streak but exposing finishing issues despite 68% possession and more than two expected goals.
La Roja still carries a 36-game unbeaten run, but questions over 18-year-old Lamine Yamal’s fitness and France’s counterattacking edge frame the matchup as a clash between Spain’s control and France’s ruthlessness.