Arlington: France coach Didier Deschamps has continued his psychological battle ahead of the FIFA World Cup 2026 semi-final by insisting that Spain are the favourites to win the blockbuster clash between the two European giants.

France will face Spain at the AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas, in a match widely regarded as a meeting between the two strongest teams remaining in the tournament. Despite France’s impressive performances throughout the competition, Deschamps believes Spain deserve to carry the tag of favourites.

The comments come as both teams prepare for a high-pressure encounter that will decide one of the finalists of the FIFA World Cup 2026.

“Forget about the first game against Cape Verde. Ever since then Spain have confirmed that they are the favourites,” Deschamps said while speaking ahead of the semi-final.

Deschamps praises Spain’s balance

Spain’s journey in the tournament began with an unexpected 0-0 draw against Cape Verde, but Luis de la Fuente’s side quickly recovered and have grown stronger as the competition progressed.

Deschamps highlighted Spain’s ability to perform at both ends of the pitch, praising their attacking quality as well as their defensive organisation.

“Spain can attack well, and they can defend very well. They’ve only conceded one goal in the last six or seven matches,” the France coach said.

The French manager also admitted that he did not want to add unnecessary pressure on Spain by repeatedly discussing their status as favourites. However, he acknowledged that expectations around La Roja remain high due to their recent performances and consistency.

Spain enter the semi-final with confidence after defeating France in their last two meetings. La Roja defeated Les Bleus in the Euro 2024 semi-final and also overcame them in the UEFA Nations League semi-final last year.

De la Fuente dismisses favourites debate

Spain coach Luis de la Fuente responded calmly to Deschamps’ comments, insisting that labels such as favourites or underdogs will not influence his team’s approach.

“Since the beginning, I’ve always said that the fact that people say we’re favourites or not doesn’t mean anything. It doesn’t. It’s not decisive,” De la Fuente said.

The Spain manager believes the semi-final is simply a contest between two elite national teams, with both sides facing equal pressure to perform.

“We are two great national teams facing each other, just as there are two great national teams facing each other in the other semi-final,” he added.

De la Fuente also explained that Spain are comfortable dealing with expectations and understand the responsibility of representing their country at the biggest stage.

“Regardless of whether we’re favourites or not, it doesn’t create additional pressure. We have that pressure anyway. We want to do well for our country,” he said.

France expect a spectacular contest

With both teams possessing world-class attacking talent, Deschamps believes the semi-final has all the ingredients to become a memorable World Cup encounter.

“With the quality of the two teams offensively, I think we could think that is going to be a spectacular game,” he said.

France have impressed with their attacking football during the tournament, with Kylian Mbappé, Michael Olise and Ousmane Dembélé providing a constant threat to opposition defences.

Spain, meanwhile, have relied on their technical ability, possession control and the creativity of young stars such as Lamine Yamal to break down opponents.

The contrasting styles are expected to create an intriguing tactical battle, with Spain likely to focus on controlling possession while France will look to exploit spaces with their pace and direct attacking play.

Deschamps wary of Lamine Yamal threat

One of the biggest challenges for France will be containing Spain winger Lamine Yamal, who has already caused problems for Les Bleus in previous meetings.

Yamal scored during Spain’s victory over France in the Euro 2024 semi-final and was also influential in their UEFA Nations League success.

Deschamps admitted that the teenage forward has the ability to change the outcome of matches but insisted France have enough quality to handle the threat.

“Have I studied Yamal and his assets? Yes, he’s one of the players that can really make a difference on the pitch,” Deschamps said.

The France coach added that limiting Spain’s strengths will be a collective effort rather than a task focused only on stopping one player.

“When it comes to one-on-ones it could be tough. But having a one-on-one against some of my players is not an easy task either,” he said.

Mbappe declared fully fit

Deschamps also provided positive news regarding captain Kylian Mbappé, confirming that the forward is fully fit for the semi-final.

Mbappé had picked up a knock during France’s quarter-final victory over Morocco and was substituted late in the match. However, Deschamps confirmed that the injury will not affect his availability.

“Kylian is 100 percent,” the France coach said.

Mbappé’s presence will be crucial for France as they look to reach another World Cup final. His pace, finishing ability and experience in major tournaments make him one of the biggest threats Spain must prepare for.

Conclusion

Didier Deschamps’ decision to call Spain favourites adds another layer of intrigue to an already highly anticipated World Cup semi-final. While France have been one of the most impressive teams in the tournament, Spain’s consistency and recent victories over Les Bleus have earned them significant respect.

With both managers confident and both teams packed with attacking talent, the clash in Arlington promises to be a defining moment of FIFA World Cup 2026.