France vs Spain – World Cup semi-final Combined XI | OneFootball

France take on Spain in the semi-finals of the 2026 World Cup tonight, a clash between, arguably, the two best sides in North America this summer.

With two star-studded sides, choosing a Combined XI was not easy.

Goalkeeper: Unai Simon – Spain

Unai Simon’s excellence continues to go somewhat under the radar due to his club loyalties to Athletic Club. At international level, he’s rarely let Spain down in his 64 caps, and continues to keep David Raya and Joan Garcia sidelined. He’s conceded just once in the tournament so far.

Right-back: Pedro Porro – Spain

Pedro Porro’s forward threat gives him the nod over Jules Kounde. Only two defenders have created more goalscoring opportunities than Porro at the World Cup, while he was also on target against Austria.

Centre-back: Dayot Upamecano – France

Some past high-profile mistakes on Champions League nights have seen the casual watcher dismiss Upamecano as not truly top level. However, the Frenchman has barely put a foot wrong this summer, after another outstanding season for Bayern Munich.

Centre-back: William Saliba – France

A Rolls-Royce for Arsenal and France, Saliba will hope this season’s Premier League success is the start of a trophy-laden period for club and country. He’s a key figure for two teams capable of making that so.

Left-back: Marc Cucurella – Spain

Marc Cucurella will take his tenacious work to Real Madrid next season, following a £47m transfer from Chelsea. It’s recognition for his superb showings since becoming a Spain regular in their Euro 2024 success.

Midfield: Rodri – Spain

Rodri hasn’t quite returned to his very best since that ACL injury, but even this version is a terrific talent. Few nations produce midfielders quite like Spain and Rodri has been the best of his generation.

Midfield: Pedri – Spain

Spain dominates the engine room, offering an all-round class that France perhaps lacks. Pedri’s poise and press resistance have made him one of the world’s very best.

Midfield: Michael Olise – France

Part of a formidable French forward line that has lit up this tournament, no player at the 2026 World Cup has more assists than Olise (5). He is one of several Les Bleus’ names who could be a Ballon d’Or contender if France win the trophy.

Forward: Lamine Yamal – Spain

Breaking up the all-star France attack is Lamine Yamal, Spain’s big hope and the most exciting teenage talent on the planet. At just 19, he’s bidding to already become a European Championship and World Cup winner.

Forward: Ousmane Dembele – France

The reigning Ballon d’Or holder has been superb for France in North America, scoring five goals and creating two more. His ability to go either way is almost unstoppable.

Forward: Kylian Mbappe – France

The best player in the world right now? He’s put his name back into that conversation again this summer. Eight goals have Mbappe on course for a second straight World Cup Golden Boot, an achievement no player has managed before. He’s been sensational.

Read – France vs Spain – Match preview and team news

See more – 📈 World Cup Power Rankings: And then there were four

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