Confirmed: Three Barcelona players start for Spain vs France as Pedri benched again | OneFootball

The first semifinal of the 2026 FIFA World Cup is upon us as 2010 champions Spain take on 2018 winners France in less than a couple of hours.

In what will be a blockbuster encounter between two of the best teams in the world, La Roja manager Luis de la Fuente has announced the starting lineup that will take the field at the Dallas Stadium.

Three Barcelona stars feature

As was the case in the quarterfinal fixture against Belgium, three Barcelona stars feature in the lineup for Spain tonight against France.

Teenage sensation Lamine Yamal, fresh after celebrating his 19th birthday, starts on the right flank and will hold the key for La Roja against Didier Deschamps’ side.

Meanwhile, Dani Olmo, who has been a standout performer for the Spanish national team at the tournament, retains his place in the attacking midfield position once again.

Pau Cubarsi happens to be the third Barcelona player in the Spain starting XI, with the teenage wonderkid set to face the challenge of stopping Kylian Mbappe.

No Pedri again

For the second game in a row, though, De la Fuente has opted not to field Barcelona ace Pedri in the lineup.

The midfield maestro was benched for the game against Belgium, where Fabian Ruiz started and scored a goal, leading to the PSG man retaining his spot in the team for tonight’s fixture.

Meanwhile, Eric Garcia, Joan Garcia, Gavi, and Ferran Torres all remain on the bench as substitutes for the 2010 champions.