France, the overwhelming favourites for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, are set to face European champions Spain in a crucial semifinal match in Dallas on Monday, July 14th, 2026. France's coach Didier Deschamps stated that his team will not willingly surrender possession to Spain, highlighting the importance of midfield control in the upcoming contest.

Spain has built its path to the semifinals on dominating possession, pressing opponents deep in their half, and controlling match tempo. However, Deschamps rejected the notion that France would simply defend and wait for counterattacks, asserting, “Spain can apply a lot of pressure, but we are also a team who need the ball.”

Midfielder Warren Zaïre-Emery noted that France possesses multiple tactical options, saying, “We have the qualities to attack quickly on the counter, to keep possession ourselves and to defend well.”

Aurelien Tchouameni, the Real Madrid midfielder recovering from a hamstring injury, is available again but not fully fit. Due to this, Deschamps might maintain the midfield setup that helped France overcome Morocco, with Manu Koné alongside Adrien Rabiot.

This semifinal is expected to be a decisive midfield battle, with both teams aiming to control possession and dictate the game's rhythm.

Sources