- Recent knockout form: France have won their last five FIFA World Cup knockout stage 2026 games and are a clear cut above their opponents in that regard.
- Head-to-head: Spain have won both of the last two meetings including a 5-4 classic in the UEFA Nations League 2024/2025.
- Player form: Mbappé has four goals in three FIFA World Cup knockout stage 2026 matches.
A true clash of styles in Dallas
Both teams are expected to be evenly matched in a tactical battle.
La Roja have the better of France in the head-to-head record
Spain's form:
Spain are in fine form themselves, winning five straight games in the knockout stage of the FIFA World Cup 2026 and looking a serious force in this tournament. La Roja are unbeaten in their last 10 matches in all competitions, with seven wins and three draws, but have only averaged 1.80 goals per game themselves with 18 goals scored in that run.
Comparative form and head-to-head:
France arrive at Dallas Stadium having won nine and lost one of their last 10 games in all competitions, conceding just seven goals during that run.
Spain have won the last two head-to-heads, including a mad 5-4 win over France in the UEFA Nations League 2024/2025, but the French are in red-hot form and it's hard to argue against them here.
Mbappé is the ace up France's sleeve
We think Mbappé can bag the winner for his country on Tuesday, as his pace and vertical running style allows France to have a lethal counterpunch whenever the Spaniards lose the ball and leave gaps behind their back line.
This should be a one-goal game and France are better placed to get it, but Spain are unbeaten in 10 and will be desperate to avenge that 5-4 defeat to France in the UEFA Nations League so we're not expecting any complacency from La Roja.
- France's last three knockout wins have been against Sweden 3-0, Paraguay 1-0 and Morocco 2-0 and they are a ruthless team on the tournament stage.
- Mikel Merino leads the way for Spain with two goals in the knockout stage of the FIFA World Cup 2026, while Mikel Oyarzabal has scored three of Spain's last nine in their five-game winning streak.
