14 July 2026

France and Spain are set to face off in the semi-finals of the 2026 FIFA World Cup tonight — a mouth-watering contest between arguably the two finest teams to grace North America this summer.

With both squads packed with world-class talent, assembling a Combined XI from these two sides is no easy task.

Unai Simon continues to impress quietly, perhaps not getting the recognition he deserves due to his loyalty to Athletic Club. For Spain, his performances have remained consistently reliable across his 64 international appearances, keeping both David Raya and Joan Garcia waiting in the wings. Impressively, he has conceded just one goal throughout the tournament so far.

Pedro Porro earns his place ahead of Jules Kounde thanks to his attacking prowess from defence. Only two defenders have created more goal-scoring chances than Porro in this World Cup, and he also found the back of the net against Austria.

While Dayot Upamecano has faced criticism in the past for high-profile errors in the Champions League, his displays this summer have been near flawless. Following another outstanding season with Bayern Munich, the French centre-back has shown his true class on the international stage.

William Saliba, the elegant Arsenal and France defender, continues to shine after a title-winning Premier League campaign. He remains pivotal for both club and country as he chases more silverware in what could be a defining phase of his career.

Marc Cucurella will be joining Real Madrid next season after sealing a £47 million move from Chelsea — a transfer that reflects his exceptional performances since becoming a regular for Spain, particularly during their Euro 2024 triumph.

Rodri might not yet be back to his absolute best following his ACL injury, but even at this level, he remains a world-class midfielder. Spain have long been known for producing top-tier midfielders, and Rodri has stood out as the best of his generation.

Spain’s midfield dominance is clear, with Pedri’s composure and ability to resist pressure making him one of the finest creative players in global football today. His technical brilliance continues to set the rhythm for La Roja’s play.

Among France’s dazzling forward line, Michael Olise has been one of the standout stars. With five assists to his name — the highest at the 2026 World Cup — he has been instrumental in Les Bleus’ attacking success. Should France go on to lift the trophy, Olise’s name could be among the Ballon d’Or contenders.

Breaking into that French-heavy attack is Spain’s teenage sensation Lamine Yamal. At just 19, he’s already chasing the remarkable feat of winning both the European Championship and the World Cup. His flair and confidence make him one of football’s most exciting young prospects.

Kylian Mbappe, the reigning Ballon d’Or winner, has been in electrifying form once again for France in North America. With five goals and two assists so far, his unpredictability and pace continue to terrorise defenders.

Arguably the best player in the world at present, Mbappe has reignited the debate over his supremacy with his performances this summer. His eight goals have him on track to claim a second consecutive World Cup Golden Boot — something no player has ever achieved before. Simply put, he has been nothing short of sensational.