France are sweating over the fitness of two key midfielders as they prepare to face Spain in the World Cup semi-final on Tuesday, July 14. Didier Deschamps' side have progressed through the knockouts past Sweden, Paraguay and Morocco without conceding a goal, but must now consider injuries to Aurelien Tchouameni and Manu Kone.
Injury concerns in midfield
Tchouameni has returned to team training after suffering a thigh injury following the last-32 defeat of Sweden. Kone, meanwhile, came off in the second half of the quarter-final win over Morocco with a minor knee injury. Both are expected to be available for the match, but it remains to be seen who will partner Adrien Rabiot at the base of midfield.
Mbappe fit and firing
Captain and talisman Kylian Mbappe suffered a minor ankle injury against Morocco but assured reporters post-match he was "completely fine". Mbappe's opener against Morocco was a brilliant strike from the edge of the area, reiterating his ability to decide tight games. His dovetailing with Michael Olise and Ballon d'Or-winning forward Ousmane Dembele has elevated Les Bleus to a level far above any other teams at this year's tournament. France's front three have contributed 23 goals between them at the 2026 World Cup.
Defensive solidity
Desire Doue and Bradley Barcola have been rotated by Deschamps on the left wing, while Manu Kone and Adrien Rabiot have provided a solid defensive platform for the attack to flourish. William Saliba and Dayot Upamecano's absence from training on Saturday was a slight cause for concern, though both are expected to be available. Arsenal star Saliba was reportedly given a rest day, while Upamecano undertook an individual session. Lucas Digne and Jules Kounde are cemented at full-back, as is Mike Maignan in goal.
Predicted lineup and match details
It is a team unlikely to change much for this game, despite options off the bench including Manchester City's Rayan Cherki, Maghnes Akliouche and Crystal Palace striker Jean-Philippe Mateta, who have all barely featured. Predicted France XI vs Spain: Maignan; Kounde, Upamecano, Saliba, Digne; Rabiot, Kone; Dembele, Olise, Doue; Mbappe. Doubts: Tchouameni, Kone. The match kicks off at 8pm BST on Tuesday, July 14 at Dallas City Stadium, broadcast on ITV1.
