Yamal draws the line before Spain's semi-final

Yamal: third final or third win over France

Lamine Yamal put it bluntly ahead of Tuesday's semi-final. "Either they reach their third straight World Cup final, or we beat them for the third time" (1) (4) (5).

Spain and France meet in the last four at WM 2026 on Tuesday, 14 July. The head-to-head since 2024 tells a story, your team knocked France out of the Euro 2024 semi and beat them again in last year's Nations League playoffs. Yamal, Rodri, and Mikel Merino will try to make it three.

Courtois dodges serious injury, fit for opener

Thibaut Courtois went down with a groin problem while playing for Spain. Tests have ruled out anything serious (3). Real Madrid's starting goalkeeper will be ready for the LaLiga opener. No drama.

Fan reactions

Fans are leaning into the history. One pointed out Spain lead the all-time head-to-head 5-4-1 against France, with three wins in the last four meetings, including the Euro 2024 semi and the Nations League playoff. Another thread dug up footage of Rayan Cherki's last outing against Spain, stoking the pre-match tension. A third fan, facing a 3am kickoff, asked if the match is worth staying up for. The replies were unanimous: yes. Read the head-to-head thread