Spain XI vs France: Confirmed team news, predicted lineup and injury latest for World Cup 2026 | OneFootball

Star man Lamine Yamal yet to hit top form at the tournament

La Roja have had a tumultuous journey through the knockouts. Their last two knockout games against Belgium and Portugal were both decided by late Mikel Merino winners.

Luis de la Fuente has rotated throughout the tournament, with Ferran Torres and Pedri both losing their starting places to Alex Baena and Fabian Ruiz.

Lamine Yamal was not fit enough to start their opener, but has since done so for every game, while Mikel Oyarzabal’s interplay has proved his credentials as their starting striker.

Captain Rodri is their midfield anchor, with Dani Olmo occupying an attacking midfield space and Ruiz or Pedri sitting in alongside him.

Metronome: Rodri

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Pau Cubarsi and Aymeric Laporte have formed a solid centre-back partnership, while Pedro Porro has won the battle for a starting berth at right-back over Marcos Llorente.

New Real Madrid signing Marc Cucurella is influential from left-back, while Unai Simon will retain his place between the sticks.

Merino has proved his potency from the bench and will remain there, though he could be called upon for another decisive cameo. Nico Williams and Yeremy Pino will both join him after recovering from mid-tournament injuries.

Winger Victor Munoz is a doubt, but the Spain squad has a clean bill of health aside from that.