Mbappé trains and France's semi-final path is clear

Mbappé and Tchouaméni train, semi-final doubts fade

Kylian Mbappé trained normally Saturday, three days before France face Spain in the World Cup semi-final (1) (4). Aurélien Tchouaméni was also present (4). Mbappé came off during the Morocco quarter-final, which set off alarms, but the sight of him on the pitch clears the biggest question hanging over your team.

Spain await in the last four

The bracket is set. France vs Spain in the semi-finals, with England and Argentina facing off in the other tie (2). That is the top four in the world by Elo ratings, and your team goes in knowing Spain have beaten France in two consecutive major tournament knockout matches.

Bayern circling Jules Koundé

Bayern Munich have Jules Koundé on their radar, per Christian Falk (3). The deal only becomes possible if Bayern sell first, Sacha Boey, Josip Stanisic, Konrad Laimer, João Palhinha, Bryan Zaragoza, and Noel Aseko are all listed as potential departures to fund a move (3). Nothing active yet, but a French starter at the World Cup always draws interest.

England beat Norway, final path clears

England knocked out Norway in the quarter-finals Saturday (6). That means if France get past Spain, England or Argentina wait in the final. No easy routes left.

Fan reactions

The numbers back up what fans are feeling: France enter the semi-finals ranked first in the FIFA/Coca-Cola Elo ratings among the four remaining teams (1948.97), ahead of Argentina, Spain, and England. Supporters are quick to note Spain are on a 36-match unbeaten run, one short of Italy's all-time record. Beating them would end that streak and put France one win from the trophy. Join the discussion on r/soccer