Deschamps Names Spain World Cup Favourites Ahead Of Semi-Final Clash

France head coach Didier Deschamps has described Spain as the favourites ahead of their 2026 FIFA World Cup semi-final showdown on Tuesday.

 

The two European giants will meet at the AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas, in a highly anticipated encounter between two of the tournament’s standout teams.

 

Despite France’s impressive run and attacking displays throughout the competition, Deschamps said Spain’s overall performance has established them as the team to beat.

 

“Forget about the first game against Cape Verde. Ever since then Spain have confirmed that they are the favourites,” Deschamps said.

 

The France manager praised Spain’s balance, noting that La Roja have been strong both in attack and defence, conceding just one goal in their last six or seven matches.

 

Spain coach Luis de la Fuente, however, played down the significance of being labelled favourites, saying the tag would not determine the outcome of the match.

 

“Since the beginning, I’ve always said that the fact that people say we’re favourites or not doesn’t mean anything,” De la Fuente said.

 

He added that both teams were among the best sides in the tournament and that Spain was prepared to handle the pressure of expectations.

 

Deschamps described the semi-final as a potential classic, highlighting the attacking quality of both teams.

 

“With the quality of the two teams offensively, I think we could think that is going to be a spectacular game,” he said.

 

The French coach also acknowledged the threat posed by Spain winger Lamine Yamal, who has played a key role in recent victories over France, but insisted his team has the quality to contain him.

 

Meanwhile, Deschamps confirmed that France captain Kylian Mbappe is fully fit for the semi-final after recovering from a knock sustained during the quarter-final victory over Morocco.

 

The winner of the France-Spain clash will advance to the World Cup final.