France and Spain will meet in a heavyweight World Cup semi-final showdown on Tuesday, with Les Bleus bidding to reach a third straight final and La Roja still in contention to follow their triumph at Euro 2024 by claiming the biggest prize of all. The two teams have a long history of competitive meetings, with five classic clashes standing out.
Why it matters for Karim Benzema
Karim Benzema, the Real Madrid striker, has been a key player for France in recent years, and his team's success will be closely tied to his individual performance. With a strong team behind him, Benzema will be looking to make a significant impact in the semi-final.
What comes next?
The semi-final match will take place on Tuesday, with France looking to overcome Spain and reach the World Cup final. The two teams have a long history of competitive meetings, and this match promises to be an exciting and closely contested affair.
A look back at five classic clashes
The first competitive meeting of the European neighbours came in Paris in the Euro 84 final, as a France team inspired by Michel Platini claimed their first major international title. The game at the Parc des Princes hinged on a Platini free-kick just before the hour mark which Spain goalkeeper Luis Arconada let squirm through his grasp and in to give France the lead.
The only meeting of the teams at a World Cup before this year came in Germany in 2006, as they faced off in the last 16 in Hanover. A strong Spain team topped their group with three wins out of three, while France laboured through as runners-up in their section after being held by Switzerland and South Korea. Spain went ahead through a David Villa penalty, but Franck Ribery equalised before half-time. Patrick Vieira then put France in front as extra time loomed, and Zinedine Zidane clinched the victory.
In the 2021 Nations League final in Milan, Karim Benzema equalised from Kylian Mbappe's assist, before Mbappe grabbed the winner as France won the second title of Didier Deschamps' reign as coach. The France team at Euro 2024 was different to the side that has lit up this World Cup, but they still managed to reach the last four by scoring three goals in five games.
The most recent meeting between the two teams came in the 2025 UEFA Nations League semi-final, where Spain came out on top with a 5-4 win. France had started their transformation into a much more effective team, but they still fell short against a strong Spanish side.
What's next for Karim Benzema and France?
The semi-final match will take place on Tuesday, with France looking to overcome Spain and reach the World Cup final. The two teams have a long history of competitive meetings, and this match promises to be an exciting and closely contested affair. With Karim Benzema leading the charge, France will be looking to make a significant impact in the semi-final and reach the final.