What is France’s record against Spain? All-time head-to-head record ahead of 2026 World Cup semifinals

France and Spain, two European giants, will renew their rivalry in the 2026 World Cup semifinals, with a place in the final at stake. And while both nations boast rich histories and World Cup pedigree, their head-to-head record tells a more nuanced story, one that depends on which era, and which competition, you focus on.

Spain leads overall, but it’s complicated

Across all meetings, Spain holds the advantage in the all-time series. The two nations have faced each other dozens of times dating back nearly a century, with Spain winning more often and scoring significantly more goals overall.

• Total matches: 38
• Spain wins: 18
• France wins: 13
• Draws: 7

Spain has also outscored France 71 goals to 44 in those meetings.

That edge, however, has largely been built on earlier matchups and friendly fixtures. Historically, Spain dominated long stretches of the rivalry, particularly before France’s modern golden generations emerged.

France has delivered in the biggest moments

While Spain may lead overall, France has often had the upper hand when the stakes are highest. For years, France enjoyed a remarkable run of success against Spain in competitive matches, particularly in major tournaments. That included key victories in European Championships and World Cup play, reinforcing a reputation for rising to the occasion against their rivals.

In fact, France went undefeated in competitive matches against Spain for years before Spain broke through at UEFA Euro 2012.

World Cup history is surprisingly limited

Despite how often these teams have crossed paths, they’ve only met once before in the FIFA World Cup, back in 2006.

• World Cup meetings: 1
• France wins: 1
• Spain wins: 0

That lone encounter 20 years ago ended in a 3-1 victory for France in the Round of 16, giving Les Bleus a perfect record against Spain on soccer’s biggest stage. As a result, the 2026 semifinal will mark just the second World Cup meeting between the two nations, and easily the most significant.

Recent form: Spain gaining momentum

In recent years, Spain has regained momentum in the matchup, winning several high-profile games and reestablishing itself as a consistent force in international football.

• Spain has won 8 of the last 12 meetings in the 21st century
• They defeated France in the 2025 UEFA Nations League (5–4)

At the same time, France continues to lean on its depth, athleticism, and tournament experience, traits that have made them one of the most dangerous knockout-stage teams of the modern era.

What it means for the semifinal

All of that history sets the stage for a fascinating clash in the 2026 World Cup semifinals on Tuesday, July 14.

Spain enters with the statistical edge in the all-time series and a renewed sense of identity built around its next generation of stars. France, meanwhile, carries the confidence of past World Cup success, including its previous win over Spain on this stage.

In a matchup this level, history doesn’t give a clear answer. Instead, it highlights just how evenly matched these two teams are. And with a place in the World Cup final on the line, their 2026 semifinal is set up to be the most important chapter yet in a rivalry that rarely disappoints.

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