The World Cup semifinal between France and Spain tonight isn’t just about who reaches the final. It’s a matchup of two squads so loaded that picking a combined starting 11 feels like choosing between a Bugatti and a Ferrari. Both teams have looked like the tournament’s best at different points this summer. So who actually cracks the lineup?
Let’s start in goal. Unai Simon doesn’t play for a global superclub, which means he doesn’t get the hype he deserves. But the Athletic Club keeper has been a brick wall for Spain across 64 caps. He’s only conceded once all tournament. David Raya and Joan Garcia can’t get near him. France’s Mike Maignan has been solid too, but Simon gets the edge for reliability.
The backline is where things get complicated. Pedro Porro gets the nod over Jules Kounde at right back, mostly because of what he does going forward. Only two defenders in the World Cup have created more chances than Porro. He also scored against Austria. At center back, Dayot Upamecano has been excellent this summer despite the reputation for high-profile errors in big Champions League games. He hasn’t put a foot wrong in North America. Next to him is William Saliba, who is basically a Rolls-Royce for both Arsenal and France. He just won the Premier League and looks ready to collect more hardware. Marc Cucurella rounds out the back four. His move to Real Madrid for £47 million makes sense after his performances for Spain at Euro 2024 and this World Cup.
The Midfield Is All Spain
Rodri hasn’t been at his absolute best since coming back from that ACL injury. But even at 90 percent, he’s better than almost anyone else on the planet at what he does. Spain just produces midfielders differently. Rodri has been the best of his generation. Pedri partners him, bringing that poise and ability to escape pressure that makes him one of the world’s elite. France’s midfield is good. Spain’s is better.
The Attack Is Unfair
Michael Olise has been the tournament’s best creator. Five assists lead all players at the 2026 World Cup. If France wins it all, he’s going to be in the Ballon d’Or conversation. Lamine Yamal breaks up what would otherwise be an all-France front three. At 19 years old, he’s already closing in on a European Championship and a World Cup winner’s medal. Nobody his age has any business being this good.
Kylian Mbappe is the reigning Ballon d’Or winner and he’s playing like it. Five goals, two assists, and that ability to go either direction that defenders just can’t stop. He’s on pace for a second straight World Cup Golden Boot. No player has ever done that. You could argue he’s the best player in the world right now. You’d win that argument.
The other forward spot goes to whoever you want among France’s loaded group. Ousmane Dembele, Randal Kolo Muani, Marcus Thuram — take your pick. They’ve all been dangerous. But the name that keeps popping up is Mbappe’s teammate at Real Madrid, and honestly that front three of Yamal, Mbappe, and Olise would be terrifying for any defense. Good luck stopping it.
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