World Cup 2026: Didier Deschamps predicts 'spectacular' France v Spain semi-final - BBC
France and Spain are set to face off in a highly anticipated World Cup semi-final match in Dallas. Both managers, Didier Deschamps and Luis de la Fuente, have expressed mutual respect while downplaying the 'favorites' label ahead of the high-stakes encounter.
Why it matters
This match represents a significant moment in international football, as France aims to reach their third consecutive World Cup final.
Image source, Getty Images Image caption, Didier Deschamps' France (2) and Luis de la Fuente's Spain (1) have won the World Cup three times between them
France boss Didier Deschamps is predicting a "spectacular" semi-final when his exciting side take on Spain in a heavyweight World Cup showdown in Dallas on Tuesday.
Spain beat France in the semi-finals of Euro 2024 on their way to being crowned European champions before defeating Les Bleus in a nine-goal last-four thriller in the Nations League last year.
"The past is in the past," said Deschamps, who is stepping down at the end of the tournament after 14 years in charge.
"They [Spain] did win in the past but I am looking forward to tomorrow.
"We are now at another level. We want to be in the final."
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