France against Spain, for a place in the World Cup final. The tournament's most feared attack against its meanest defence. The irresistible force meets the immovable object. Here's everything you need before kick-off.

Watch our full semi-final preview above, then read on for the form, the stars, the stats and the storylines.

Force vs Fortress, in numbers

The two records tell the whole story. France have scored 16 goals on their run and won all six of their games. Spain have conceded just one goal in the entire tournament, with five clean sheets. The most prolific attack in the world, against the most miserly defence. Something has to give.

And there's history here too. The last time these two met at a major tournament, the Euro 2024 semi-final, Spain won 2-1, with a 16-year-old Lamine Yamal scoring one of the goals of the tournament.

France: the team to beat

France arrive as many people's favourites, and it's easy to see why: six games, six wins, sixteen goals. From Senegal, Iraq and Norway in the group, through Sweden, Paraguay and Morocco in the knockouts, Didier Deschamps' side have made the hardest tournament in the world look almost routine. The forward line is frightening, with Kylian Mbappé, Ballon d'Or holder Ousmane Dembélé, Michael Olise and Désiré Doué all able to hurt you.

At the heart of it is Mbappé, who leads the Golden Boot race and is level with Lionel Messi at the top of the scoring charts, in the individual duel that has defined this World Cup. He shook off an ankle scare against Morocco and is expected to start. And spare a thought for Deschamps: a World Cup winner in 2018, a losing finalist in 2022, he now stands on the brink of a third straight World Cup final.

Full story: Mbappé and Dembélé fire France into the semi-finals

Spain: the team that won't lose

If France are the irresistible force, Spain are the immovable object. Luis de la Fuente's side have not been beaten, and their defensive record is remarkable: one goal conceded in six games, five clean sheets. They are the reigning European champions, chasing a rare World Cup and Euro double, and their manager is now 35 games unbeaten.

They carry a spark, too. Eighteen-year-old Lamine Yamal has run through everything Spain do, while Mikel Merino has become the ultimate super-sub, scoring a 91st-minute winner against Portugal and an 88th-minute winner against Belgium. "If France should fear anyone, it's us," Yamal warned. Around them, a homegrown, Barcelona-led core of Pedri, Gavi and Rodri knows exactly how Spain want to play.

Full story: Yamal and Spain edge Belgium to reach the last four

The key battle

It comes down to one thrilling question: can France's attack break down the one defence that has barely been breached? Mbappé and France's runners against a Spanish back line that has conceded once all tournament. It may be won in midfield, where Rodri, Pedri and Gavi will try to starve France of the ball, and it could hinge on the X-factors: Yamal's magic, Merino lurking for another late goal, and two fearless teenagers in Yamal and Doué.

Force against fortress, and it is beautifully poised. It's too close to call. If France score first, it could open up; if Spain do, they may just strangle the game. Whoever wins goes through to the final, against the winner of England versus Argentina.

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Compiled by the ClutchBrief Desk with AI assistance, cross-checked against 8 outlets. How we work →