France are once again among the four best teams in the world. Champions in 1998 and 2018 and runners-up in 2006 and 2022, Les Bleus face Spain with a chance to reach a third consecutive World Cup final. That would place this generation in even rarer historical territory, but the obstacle is the opponent that won the teams’ last two major meetings.
In short: France vs Spain is on Tuesday, July 14, at 4 pm São Paulo time. Les Bleus have won six games, scored 14 goals and allowed only two. Becoartes will show the match in Vila Madalena beside Batman Alley.
BECOARTES - BATMAN ALLEY
Rua Gonçalo Afonso, 99 - Vila Madalena
São Paulo - SP, 05436-100
A team accustomed to the biggest stage
France’s recent World Cup history is remarkable. Their first title arrived at home in 1998 with Zidane leading the final win over Brazil. Twenty years later, Mbappé, Griezmann, Pogba and Kanté lifted the trophy in Russia. Between those triumphs came the 2006 runner-up finish; after them came the dramatic 2022 final lost to Argentina on penalties.
Another semifinal in 2026 shows that French strength is bigger than one cycle. New players such as Désiré Doué have joined established leaders including Mbappé, Dembélé and Tchouaméni. Didier Deschamps has built a side that can change pace without abandoning its core strengths: protect central areas and attack quickly.
France’s road to the semifinal
France began with a 3-1 win over Senegal, then beat Iraq 3-0 and Norway 4-1 to finish the group stage with nine points. In the knockouts they defeated Sweden 3-0, edged Paraguay 1-0 and beat Morocco 2-0 in the quarterfinal.
The figures support their confidence: 14 goals scored and just two conceded across six matches. France dominated when space was available and survived tight contests. They managed a narrow match against Paraguay and controlled their emotions against Morocco, finding two goals without losing defensive balance.
A campaign built on talent and control
France are often defined by star power, but this campaign also relies on work without the ball. Midfield closes passing lanes, full-backs choose their moments and forwards accelerate as soon as possession is recovered. That mixture of discipline and force means opponents cannot attack without measuring the risk of transition.
The defence has allowed only two goals, while Mbappé leads the scoring, Dembélé has delivered in important moments and Doué brings unpredictability. Variety keeps Les Bleus from depending on one move even when their captain is double-marked.
Spain have become the most uncomfortable rival
Spain beat France 2-1 in the Euro 2024 semifinal and 5-4 in the 2025 Nations League semifinal. Lamine Yamal scored in both games, while Spanish circulation pulled France outside their comfort zone. Those results add a sense of unfinished business to Dallas, even if players avoid the word revenge.
Their only previous World Cup meeting came in 2006, when France won 3-1 in the round of 16 and went on to the final. Twenty years later Spain arrive as European champions and one of the favourites, while France must prove knockout experience can outweigh recent history.
The players holding Les Bleus together
Mbappé is the focal point, but the semifinal requires a collective answer. Tchouaméni must compete with Spain’s midfield without leaving gaps; Dembélé and Doué have to help the press while keeping energy for one-on-one attacks. The back line faces the movement of Lamine Yamal, Nico Williams, Pedri and Merino.
The bench matters as well. A semifinal can move into extra time, where substitutions change pressure and speed. France’s depth is an advantage only when every player understands the moment. Attack too early and Spain may find space; wait too long and Spanish possession can become control.
Where to watch France vs Spain in São Paulo
Becoartes will show France vs Spain on Tuesday, July 14, at 4 pm. The bar and restaurant is at Rua Gonçalo Afonso, 99, in Vila Madalena beside Batman Alley, one of São Paulo’s most international areas.
Brazilian food, cold drinks, urban art and supporters from different countries create a communal football experience. For French visitors, residents and fans across São Paulo, this is a place to watch a historic match together. France want another final; Becoartes is ready for every minute.
Watch France vs Spain at Becoartes
The semifinal will be shown at Becoartes, beside Batman Alley in Vila Madalena. Watch with Brazilian food, cold drinks and an international crowd.
Book a tableSee the menu