Deschamps Calls Spain 2026 Semi-Final Favorites as Mbappe, Tchouameni Return for France

3 articles · Updated · Yahoo Sports · Jul 13

Spain enter the World Cup 2026 semi-final as favorites in Didier Deschamps’ view, despite France topping the rankings, winning every match and scoring five more goals than their opponents.
Deschamps based that call on Spain’s recent edge over France — Euro 2024 and last year’s Nations League — plus a tournament run in which they have conceded just one goal after an opening 0-0 draw with Cape Verde.
Dallas now sets up what Deschamps called a potentially spectacular game, with both teams strong defensively but carrying enough attacking quality to open up the match.
France also received a fitness boost: Kylian Mbappe trained after icing his ankle following the Morocco quarter-final, and Aurelien Tchouameni is available again after a groin problem.

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Will statistics or recent history decide the winner between top-ranked France and a dominant Spanish team?

Is Deschamps playing mind games by calling Spain favorites, despite France's perfect World Cup run?

Can a fit Kylian Mbappe finally lead France to victory over their recent conquerors, Spain?