+18 | Play Responsibly | T&C's Apply | Commercial Content | Publishing Principles | What are you prepared to lose today? Set a deposit limit.
Spain

Spain news

France v Spain: Semi Final - FIFA World Cup 2026

Rodri slams referee over handling of Yamal in World Cup win

Spain midfielder Rodri has hit out at the officiating standards during La Roja's World Cup semi-final victory over France, claiming teenage sensation Lamine Yamal is not being afforded enough protection. Despite securing a place in the final, the Manchester City star expressed his frustration at the rough treatment handed out to the Barcelona wonderkid.

Spain France winners losers GFX

Spain are going to take some stopping after France fall flat

Against all the odds and pre-match conjecture, it is Spain who progressed to the final of the 2026 World Cup after overcoming France and their fabled forward line with alarming ease in Dallas on Tuesday. It was quite incredible just how routine the 2-0 victory was, with the likes of Kylian Mbappe, Michael Olise and Ousmane Dembele all failing to show up as the tournament favourites bowed out with a whimper.

FBL-WC-2026-MATCH42-FRA-IRQ

Mbappe publicly slams Deschamps' tactics after Spain beat 'sloppy' France

Kylian Mbappe has taken a public swipe at Didier Deschamps' tactical approach following France's disappointing 2-0 World Cup semi-final exit at the hands of Spain. The Les Bleus captain did not hold back in his post-match assessment, suggests that a lack of communication and a failed pressing triggers allowed La Roja’s midfield to dominate the contest in Arlington.

FBL-WC-2026-MATCH101-FRA-ESP

Saliba faces potential surgery following France World Cup exit

Arsenal and France defender William Saliba was forced off the pitch during his nation's World Cup semi-final match against Spain due to a back injury. France ultimately suffered a 2-0 defeat, ending their campaign. Saliba has been managing the issue for several months, and his sudden withdrawal has sparked fears that he may now require surgery ahead of the new season.

Spain ratings

Spain are in the final! Rodri runs the show as La Roja advance

Spain secured their place in the 2026 World Cup final with a comprehensive 2-0 win over France on Tuesday. A penalty from Mikel Oyarzabal and a second-half strike from Pedro Porro secured victory for La Roja during a dominant display in Dallas that will have struck fear into both England and Argentina as they prepare for their own semi-final.

Nicole Scherzinger Tom Cruise IShowSpeed

Cruise and IShowSpeed to headline World Cup closing ceremony

Football fans are in for an unforgettable spectacle as the 2026 World Cup reaches its grand conclusion. An incredible lineup featuring Hollywood actor Tom Cruise, pop superstar Nicole Scherzinger, and renowned internet personality IShowSpeed will headline the closing ceremony ahead of the final match in New Jersey, promising an unprecedented blend of music, culture, and sporting drama.

Yamal-Martinez

Yamal mocks Martinez and denies World Cup nerves

Lamine Yamal dismissed suggestions that numerology could influence Spain's World Cup semi-final against France, while taking a swipe at former Portugal boss Roberto Martinez. The teenage winger also insisted he feels no anxiety before the biggest match of his career and remains focused only on helping Spain reach the final.

Rodri Pedri Spain GFX

Rodri's back to his best - but why is Pedri playing so poorly?

When Spain's starting line-up for last week's World Cup quarter-final against Belgium was revealed roughly an hour before kick-off, the name of Pedri was immediately conspicuous by its absence. The natural assumption among pundits and supporters was that he was carrying a niggle - which tells you everything you need to know about just how highly the Barcelona star is rated.

Mbappe Tor

Deschamps delivers update on Mbappe ahead Spain clash

Didier Deschamps has confirmed Kylian Mbappe is fit to face Spain in France's World Cup semi-final despite concerns over an ankle problem. The France captain trained separately for part of Monday's session, but his boss insisted the modified workload was only part of his recovery plan ahead of the last-four clash.

FBL-WC-2026-PRESSER-FRA

Kounde dismisses Yamal tension ahead of semi-final

Jules Kounde has dismissed any notion that Lamine Yamal's confident remarks ahead of Spain's World Cup semi-final against France have caused unease. The Euro 2024 champions and the 2022 World Cup runners-up are set to battle it out for a place in the final on Tuesday.

Spain v Belgium: Quarter Final - FIFA World Cup 2026

Rodri vows to punish France in World Cup semi-final clash

Spain captain Rodri believes his side has what it takes to overcome France in their blockbuster World Cup semi-final clash in Dallas. The Manchester City midfielder is drawing confidence from recent victories over Les Bleus as La Roja aim to reach their first global final since 2010.

FC Barcelona v RCD Mallorca - LaLiga EA Sports

Bayern make a move for Kounde

Bayern Munich have reportedly stepped up their interest in Barcelona defender Jules Kounde as they look to bolster their backline ahead of the new campaign. The Bundesliga giants have made formal enquiries following the Frenchman's standout performances on the international stage this summer.

Spain v Austria: Round of 32 - FIFA World Cup 2026

'Everything is more difficult' - Porro opens up on Yamal relationship

Pedro Porro has emerged as a vital component of Spain's starting line-up at the 2026 World Cup, forming a formidable partnership with Barcelona sensation Lamine Yamal. Despite starting the tournament on the bench, the Tottenham defender has become indispensable for Luis de la Fuente on the right flank, and has now opened up on his connection with Yamal.

Kylian Mbappe France GFX

Mbappe can silence Spanish critics in semi-final showdown

Kylian Mbappe will be relishing France's World Cup semi-final clash with Spain more than most. Not only is this the opportunity to exact revenge for the painful defeat to La Roja at the same stage of Euro 2024 two years ago, but the attacker also has the chance to deliver a rebuttal to his vociferous critics back in Madrid after a tumultuous season at club level. What's more, he comes into the showdown in the form of his life.

Yamal-Konate

Konate insists France won't fall into Yamal's 'trap'

Ibrahima Konate has hit back at Lamine Yamal’s claims that France should be "afraid" of Spain ahead of their blockbuster World Cup semi-final tie. Speaking from the French camp in Boston, the Real Madrid defender insisted Les Bleus are remaining humble and blocking out external noise.