France v Spain LIVE: Kylian Mbappe starts after injury to face Lamine Yamal in spectacular World Cup semi-final

Extra Mbappe and France preparations ahead of Spain WC semi-final clash

France take on Spain in a battle of European heavyweights as the two nations clash in the first of the World Cup 2026 semi-finals tonight.

Didier Deschamps’ side have arguably been the best team in the tournament so far having mesmerised with their attacking play, and the incredible talents of Kylian Mbappe, Ousmane Dembele and Michael Olise while Spain have been defensively strong conceding only one goal throughout their campaign.

The European champions are looking to win back-to-back major tournaments and have previous success against France to draw upon having defeated Les Bleus in a thrilling Euro 2024 semi-final two years ago.

Last time out, Mbappe scored during France’s routine 2-0 win over Morocco, while Spain defeated Belgium thanks to a late Mikel Merino goal to set up what head coach Luis de la Fuente described as the “final before the final”.

Follow all the action from the World Cup semi-final with our live blog below:

Patrick Viera compares Mbappe and Henry – claims he is better than Messi

“It’s a good comparison [between Kylian Mbappe and Thierry Henry], the two best-ever French No 9s,” Viera said. “But Mbappe is quicker with his feet, the goal vs Morocco shows it, no space, eight players around him, he finds the way to make the shot and score.

“I think Mbappe is the best player in the world, I’d put him even above Messi.”

James Hicken14 July 2026 19:20

Barcola starts over Doue as Mbappe leads the charge

James Hicken14 July 2026 19:13

The Dallas Stadium is impressive

Here’s The Independent’s Richard Jolly reporting from Dallas ahead of kick off:

The Dallas Stadium was mooted as a potential final venue and it is certainly impressive, a huge ground with a massive screen.

“The France and Spain players will be a long way below me.

“Didier Deschamps has brought in Bradley Barcola and a fit-again Aurelien Tchouameni for Desire Doue and Manu Kone.

“Spain are unchanged.”

Richard Jolly at Dallas Stadium14 July 2026 19:12

Yamal starts as Spain team announced

James Hicken14 July 2026 19:10

Mbappe ‘the best in the world’ says Vieira

Patrick Vieira was asked to compare two French greats in Kylian Mbappe and Thierry Henry.

As part of ITV’s coverage of this semi-final he said: “It’s a good comparison, the two best-ever French No 9s, but Mbappe is quicker with his feet, the goal vs Morocco shows it, no space, eight players around him, he finds the way to make the shot and score.

“I think Mbappe is the best player in the world, I’d put him even above Messi.”

Mike Jones14 July 2026 19:08

Controversial referee Ivan Barton in charge of proceedings

Ivan Barton of El Salvador is to be tonight’s referee and he meets mixed opinion.

He was in charge of the United States vs Mexico game in the Concacaf semi-finals that ended with four red cards and a brawl between the two teams erupting.

Barton also has had a moment in the spotlight this world cup as the only referee to have had to send a player off for covering their mouth when speaking to an opposition player – giving Paraguay’s Miguel Almiron a red card.