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

Problems arise in midfield ahead of semi-final clash

France are sweating over the fitness of two key midfielders as they prepare to face Spain in the World Cup semi-final.

Didier Deschamps’ side are in a great run of form, progressing through the knockouts past Sweden, Paraguay and Morocco without conceding a goal.

But Deschamps must consider injuries to Aurelien Tchouameni and Manu Kone as he takes on his preparations for the match.

Tchouameni has returned to team training after suffering a thigh injury after the last-32 defeat of Sweden. Kone, meanwhile, came off in the second-half of the quarter-final win over Morocco with a minor knee injury.

Both are expected to be available for this match, but it remains to be seen who will partner Adrien Rabiot at the base of midfield.

Mbappe’s opener against Morocco was a brilliant strike from the edge of the area and reiterated his ability to decide tight games. His dovetailing with Michael Olise and Ballon d’Or-winning forward Ousmane Dembele has elevated Les Bleus to a level far above any other teams at this year’s tournament.

Dangermen: Les Bleus’ front three have contributed 23 goals between them at the 2026 World Cup

AFP/Getty

Desire Doue and Bradley Barcola have been rotated by Deschamps on the left wing, while Manu Kone and Adrien Rabiot have provided a solid defensive platform for the attack to flourish.

William Saliba and Dayot Upamecano’s absence from training on Saturday was a slight cause for concern, though both are expected to be available here. Arsenal star Saliba was reportedly given a rest day, while Upamecano undertook an individual session.

Lucas Digne and Jules Kounde are cemented at full-back, as is Mike Maignan in goal.

It is a team unlikely to change much for this game, despite their options off the bench - Manchester City’s Rayan Cherki, Maghnes Akliouche and Crystal Palace striker Jean-Philippe Mateta have all barely featured.

Predicted France XI vs Spain: Maignan; Kounde, Upamecano, Saliba, Digne; Rabiot, Kone; Dembele, Olise, Doue; Mbappe