France vs Spain: Six Key Players to Watch in World Cup Semifinal

France and Spain will battle for a place in the 2026 FIFA World Cup final when they meet in Tuesday’s semifinal in Dallas. Both teams boast world-class talent capable of deciding the outcome of one of the tournament’s biggest matches.

Here are six players expected to have a major impact:

Kylian Mbappé (France)

World Cup 2026 Stats:

• Goals: 8
• Assists: 3
• Minutes Played: 563

France captain Kylian Mbappé has been one of the standout performers of the tournament. After scoring four goals in the group stage, the Real Madrid forward has found the net in every knockout match while also providing several assists.

Having scored a hat-trick in France’s World Cup final defeat to Argentina in 2022, Mbappé will be eager to guide his country back to the final and this time lift the trophy.

Michael Olise (France)

World Cup 2026 Stats:

• Goals: 0
• Assists: 5
• Minutes Played: 488

Although he is yet to score, Michael Olise leads the tournament in assists with five. The Bayern Munich midfielder has formed an impressive partnership with Mbappé and has consistently created scoring opportunities with his vision and creativity.

Ousmane Dembélé (France)

World Cup 2026 Stats:

• Goals: 5
• Assists: 2
• Minutes Played: 492

PSG winger Ousmane Dembélé has enjoyed his most productive World Cup campaign, scoring five goals after entering the tournament without a World Cup goal to his name.

He scored a first-half hat-trick against Norway in the group stage and added another goal in France’s quarterfinal victory over Morocco. Alongside Mbappé, the duo has combined for 13 goals, the highest tally by two teammates at a World Cup since Brazil’s Ronaldo and Rivaldo in 2002.

Lamine Yamal (Spain)

World Cup 2026 Stats:

• Goals: 1
• Assists: 0
• Minutes Played: 405

Despite scoring only once so far, Lamine Yamal remains one of Spain’s most dangerous attacking players. The 18-year-old Barcelona star has completed more successful dribbles than any other player at the tournament and was named Player of the Match in Spain’s quarterfinal victory over Belgium.

Yamal has said his movement and ability to draw defenders help create space for his teammates even when he is not scoring.

Mikel Oyarzabal (Spain)

World Cup 2026 Stats:

• Goals: 4
• Assists: 1
• Minutes Played: 519

Real Sociedad forward Mikel Oyarzabal is Spain’s leading scorer at the tournament with four goals.

He also scored six goals during the qualification campaign and has a reputation for delivering in big matches, including his late winner against England in the Euro 2024 final.

Mikel Merino (Spain)

World Cup 2026 Stats:

• Goals: 2
• Assists: 0
• Minutes Played: 180

Arsenal midfielder Mikel Merino has made a strong impact from the bench, scoring late winning goals against Portugal and Belgium.

While he may not start against France, Merino has established himself as one of Spain’s most effective substitutes and could once again prove decisive if the match remains close in the closing stages.