World Cup Predictions Today: French to Edge Past Spaniards in Tense Semi

France and Spain clash today in a heavyweight 2026 FIFA World Cup semi-final in Texas. Which European nation will book their place in the showpiece final?

The French have been the bookies’ favourites throughout the tournament, but the Spaniards will no doubt be a tough nut to crack at AT&T Stadium in Arlington. Check out the France vs Spain odds, tips, and picks in this World Cup semi-final betting preview.

World Cup Best Bets: France vs Spain Picks & Preview

France have looked like the real deal in North America so far. Didier Deschamps’ men cruised into the knockout phase by taking maximum points in Group I, seeing off Senegal, Iraq, and Norway.

In the Round of 32, Les Bleus made light work of fellow Europeans Sweden in New Jersey, running out 3-0 winners. Kylian Mbappe scored a brace, while Bradley Barcola was also on target at MetLife Stadium.

France faced a tough Paraguay in the last 16, picking up a narrow 1-0 victory in Philadelphia thanks to Mbappe’s penalty. The Real Madrid ace got on the scoresheet again in the quarter-finals, netting in a comfortable 2-0 victory over Morocco in Foxborough.

Spain kicked off their tournament with a disappointing goalless draw with minnows Cape Verde. However, that ignited a fire in La Roja, as the Spaniards hammered Saudi Arabia 4-0 in game two before ending Group H with a win against Uruguay.

Luis de la Fuente’s troops went up against Austria in the Round of 32. Mikel Oyarzabal scored twice, while Pedro Porro also netted in the 3-0 triumph at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood.

Arsenal’s Mikel Merino has been Spain’s hero in the knockout phase, hitting a late winner in the 1-0 victory over Portugal in the last 16. Merino then came off the bench to score an 88th-minute winner in the 2-1 triumph over Belgium in the quarter-finals.

The last meeting between these two European powerhouses was a nine-goal thriller in the UEFA Nations League a year ago. Spain ran out 5-4 winners in a crazy game in Stuttgart.

The Spaniards also edged past the French in the semi-finals of the UEFA European Championships in 2024, with Lamine Yamal and Dani Olmo on target. Spain went on to beat England in the Euro 2024 final.

Both nations go into this mouth-watering semi-final in incredible form. France have won seven in a row and 11 of their last 12, while Spain are undefeated in competitive matches since losing to Scotland in a Euro 2024 qualifier back in March 2023.

Looking at the latest World Cup odds in this semi-final, France are priced at 6/4, while Spain are available at 23/10 with PricedUp. It could go either way in Arlington, with the draw in the 90 also 23/10.

You can make a strong case for either of these European juggernauts to get the win and book their place in the 2026 World Cup final. However, in our World Cup predictions today, we fancy France to edge an entertaining semi-final at AT&T Stadium. The French to win and over 2.5 goals is available at 13/5.

Our Prediction: France to Win & Over 2.5 Goals – 13/5

France vs Spain World Cup Odds & Picks

Mbappe leads the way in the current World Cup Golden Boot odds market, priced at just evens to finish at the summit of the scorer chart in North America. The France captain has had a remarkable tournament, scoring eight goals in six games.

Mbappe and Lionel Messi are tied on eight goals each at the top of the standings, and the Real Madrid man is looking to pull away from the 39-year-old before Argentina’s semi-final with England on Wednesday. You can get the top price of 7/2 for Mbappe to open the scoring in this semi-final.

Our Prediction: Kylian Mbappe to Score First – 7/2

Odds taken from PricedUp at 11:00 UK time, on July 14