France are set to welcome Real Madrid midfielder Aurélien Tchouaméni back into their starting lineup for Tuesday’s 2026 World Cup semifinal against Spain in Dallas.

Tchouaméni started three of Les Bleus’ first four games at the tournament but has missed the last two knockout victories over Paraguay and Morocco because of a small groin tear.

However, French sports newspaper L’Équipe now reports that Tchouaméni has recovered sufficiently to come into contention for the semifinal and is expected to return to Didier Deschamps’ starting lineup.

One change expected

Roma midfielder Manu Koné started, and impressed, in Tchouaméni’s absence but now looks set to drop back to the bench.

L’Équipe believes that will be the only change to the team that started the 2-0 win over Morocco last Thursday.

That means Kylian Mbappé, Michael Olise and Ousmane Dembélé would once again be joined by Désiré Doué, rather than Bradley Barcola, in a mouthwatering attack. Tchouaméni is expected to partner Adrien Rabiot in central midfield.

Mbappé fit to face Spain

Mbappé, Dayot Upamecano and William Saliba are all expected to start despite minor fitness concerns.

Projected France lineup vs. Spain

Maignan; Upamecano, Saliba, Digne; Tchouaméni, Rabiot; Dembélé, Olise, Doué; Barcola.

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