France vs Spain poll: Vote for the best player in every head-to-head match ahead of the 2026 World Cup semi final

France again Spain drawn into conflict in 2026 World Cup semi-finalists, only one country has advanced to the finals at MetLife Stadium. The game is scheduled for Tuesday, July 15, at Dallas Stadium, and both sides boast star power in all areas.

Kylian Mbappe he is chasing history again, looking to reach the final of the World Cup for the third time in a row with his goals sitting at 20, just one behind Lionel Messi’s all-time record of 21. A stunning 2-0 victory over Morocco saw Les Bleus complete an almost flawless campaign under Didier Deschamps.

On the other hand, Lamine Yamal will be turning 19 before the match, looking to win a historic first World Cup. Spain comes to have won Euro 2024, despite failing in the finals of the 2025 UEFA Nations League, and will be in the hunt. second World Cup star to add to their 2010 victory in South Africa. The semi-finals feature compelling head-to-head battles in all areas of the field.

GK: Mike Maignan vs Unai Simon

Mike Maignan (L) and Unai Simon (R). (Justin Setterfield and Florencia Tan Jun/Getty Images)

Mike Maignan he has found himself replacing Hugo Lloris in the French ranks, and although he has not been tested regularly, he has responded with important saves when called upon. Unai Simonon the other hand, he has recorded an impressive record, having spent 649 minutes without conceding anything in this World Cup, surpassing Walter Zenga from Italy as the goalkeeper with the most consecutive minutes without a goal allowed in the history of this tournament.

RB: Jules Kounde vs Pedro Porro

Jules Kounde (L) and Pedro Porro (R). (Al Bello and Luke Hales/Getty Images)

Jules Kunde he has retained his place as a starter for France from the 2022 World Cup, taking on a more disciplined defensive role with the national team than he is used to at Barcelona. Pedro Porrofor now, be someone else SpainA prolific contributor going forward, he capped off his campaign with his first international goal in a group stage win over Austria.

RCB: Dayot Upamecano vs Pau Cubarsi

Dayot Upamecano (L) and Pau Cubarsi (R). (Dan Mullan and David Ramos/Getty Images)

Dayot Upamecano has been a pillar of France’s defense since the 2022 World Cup, combining physical dominance and composure on the ball. Pau Cubarsidespite his youth, he has been one of the most technically gifted defenders in the tournament, ranking among the leaders in key passes per game from the heart of Spain’s back line.

SurveyRestoring the Best Institution?

Restoring the Best Institution?

LCB: William Saliba vs Aymeric Laporte

William Saliba and Aymeric Laporte. (Photos by Justin Setterfield and Carl Recine/Getty)

William Saliba never featured at the 2022 World Cup, but with Raphaël Varane retired, the Arsenal defender has stepped into the role of one of the best in the world, having already reached the final of the UEFA Champions League in the club’s 2025-26 season. Aymeric Laporte he returned to the Spanish team after missing out on the Nations League final and has formed a good partnership with Cubarsí at the back.

SurveyBest of the Left?

Best of the Left?

LB: Lucas Digne vs Marc Cucurella

Lucas Digne (L) and Marc Cucurella (R). (Photos by Justin Setterfield and Carl Recine/Getty)

Lucas Digne he started the tournament as a back-up behind Théo Hernández, but his technical quality and clinical left foot earned him a starting spot under Deschamps, a role he again impressed in while helping Aston Villa win the Europa League. Marc Cucurellaon the other hand, he is firmly established as one of the best left-backs in the world, having just completed a high-profile move to Real Madrid from Chelsea.

CDM: Manu Kone vs Rodri

Manu Kone (L) and Rodri (R). (Mattia Ozbot and David Ramos/Getty Images)

Manu Kone stepped into a more defensive role against France amid Aurelien Tchouaméni’s fitness struggles and responded with composure and character despite not being a first-time starter at the tournament. Rodrion the contrary, he is widely regarded as one of the best midfielders in the world and leads all players at this World Cup with 99.5 passes completed per game.

SurveyBest Central Defensive Midfielder?

Best Central Defensive Midfielder?

CDM: Adrien Rabiot vs Pedri

Adrien Rabiot (L) and Pedri (R). (Photos by Justin SetterfieldMichael Steele/Getty)

Adrien Rabiot has been a constant in France’s midfield since the 2022 campaign, bringing a classy box-to-box profile that bridges the gap between defense and attack. Peter he is a completely different type of player, a creative force that is almost impossible to take away and has the ability to open up defenses with sharp balls.

SurveyBest Central Defensive Midfielder?

Best Central Defensive Midfielder?

CAM: Michael Olise vs Dani Olmo

Michael Olise (L) and Dani Olmo (R). (Kevin C. Cox & David Ramos/Getty Images)

Michael Olise he was one of the players to emerge from the tournament after an impressive 2025-26 season at Bayern Munich, and his transition to a central role for France has been smooth, with five assists leading all players at this World Cup. Dani Olmo he works in the space behind the striker, combining smart forward runs in the box with technical quality to finish chances.

SurveyA top attacking midfielder?

A top attacking midfielder?

RW: Ousmane Dembele vs Lamine Yamal

Ousmane Dembele (L) and Lamine Yamal (R). (Kevin C. Cox & Luke Hales/Getty Images)

Ousmane DembeleThe Ballon d’Or winner backed up his Champions League triumph with a World Cup highlight, contributing five goals and two assists as one of France’s most dangerous attackers. Yamalthe Ballon d’Or winners, came into the tournament still recovering from a major injury and has yet to reach his peak, scoring just one goal against Saudi Arabia.

ST: Kylian Mbappe vs Mikel Oyarzabal

Kylian Mbappe (L) and Mikel Oyarzabal (R). (Mattia Ozbot and Carl Recine/Getty Images)

Mbappe he has confirmed again that the World Cup is the stage where he thrives the most, already having eight goals in this program and 20 in his career at the age of only 27 years old, and a history he can reach. Mikel Oyarzabal is not a traditional number nine, but the Real Sociedad striker has been one of La Roja’s most effective weapons, using his sharp movements and ability to draw defenders into position and create space for teammates.

LW: Desire Doue vs Alex Baena

Desire Doue (L) and Alex Baena (R). (Kevin C. Cox & Harry How/Getty Images)

Desire Doue emerged as one of PSG’s most exciting talents and took that form to the international stage, combining superb playmaking ability with explosive pace down the French left flank. Alex Baena He has stepped into a starting role on the other side of Spain, bringing creativity and unpredictability in the absence of the perfect Nico Williams.

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