World Cup 2026: France v Spain semi-final; Rice to start for England against Argentina – live | 2026 World Cup
Important events
Elliot Anderson ran 14.8km against Norway in the scorching heat of Miami.
Ed Aarons writes about Kansas City’s versatile midfielder:
Krishna Moorthy wrote in .
I knew it wouldn’t be long before he did.
“Hello Daniel. Three Ballon d’Or winners in the last three years have participated in the semi-finals. There is only one choice in one game tonight. Both teams tonight also had runners-up. A clash of the stars indeed.”
We’ve been promised attack vs defense before, but France v Spain certainly fit the bill.
According to Opta, France arrives in Dallas with the most productive attack in the World Cup. Spain brings the strongest defense recorded in the tournament in the current era of statistics. Something, as they say in disaster movies, has to give.
Here are the numbers:
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France scored 16 goals and produced a tournament high 14.3 xG.
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Their 47 shots on goal average 7.8 per game, the highest average in World Cup history since 1966.
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Kylian Mbappé has eight goals, while Ousmane Dembélé has five. Michael Olise leads the competition with five assists.
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Spain has faced only seven shots in six games. Their average of 1.17 per game is the lowest ever recorded in a men’s World Cup.
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They only gave up 0.31 xG per game, and the chance between them was worth a measly 0.05 xG.
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Spain also scored 66% with 598 passes completed per game.
Is it a cliche if I use the phrase, an irresistible force meets an immovable object?
In case you missed Jonathan Wilson’s thread covering the semifinals, well, here it is:
We have our first email this morning.
It takes off Tim Readabout 1,426 kilometers from there.
“Hello! Although I understand that everyone’s eyes are on France – Spain, I also have the privilege of being invited as a press guest to the Riga FC – Ararat Champion’s League qualifier. Yes, I will be at the nearest bar soon after that….”
Enjoy it guys!
More from Nick Ames in Dallas.
France are determined to get revenge after Lamine Yamal’s surprise goal was the difference between the sides two years ago.
Rice will start in England
Outside of Kane and Bellingham, England’s midfield man is the most important player in the side (imo).
The good thing is that you are prepared and ready to start.
Let’s continue things with two pieces to wet the whistle.
First up is Sid Lowe reporting from Dallas who hears about Lamine Yamal, a young kid who doesn’t know the meaning of the word ‘pressure’:
Nick Ames is also in Dallas and, like the rest of us, is full of praise for the French team that has the potential to go down as one of the greatest ever:
Background
Daniel Gallan
Deep breathing before diving. A small leg shakes before the first shot is fired. The feeling of anticipation as you see your waiter holding a plate of food that matches your order.
You know what I’m saying? Yes of course! World Cup semi-final!
For the first time in the history of the tournament, the top four teams in the world have reached the penalty stage. And few would argue that France, Spain, England and Argentina should be here (although I’d like to know if you think otherwise).
Today at 8pm BST, 2pm in Dallas, Frenchwheeling French against regular Spanish.
We’ll build on that and check how England and Argentina fare, look at some of Fifa’s shenanigans and sweep up any squad swap news that filters our way.
As always, post your thoughts or questions. You are all welcome.
