What is Spain’s starting XI vs France in the 2026 World Cup semifinal? De La Fuente decisions

On Tuesday at 3:00 p.m. ET, nearly 49 million people across Spain will collectively hold their breath. That’s when referee Iván Barton blows the whistle and Spain’s World Cup semifinal against France gets underway.

It’s a game of enormous significance. Spain has reached the semifinals of a World Cup only once before, back in 2010 against Germany, and everyone remembers how that story ended. Now, with another chance to lift the trophy for the first time since 2010, Luis de la Fuente is putting the finishing touches on his lineup. Most of it looks settled, although one or two decisions remain.

This hasn’t been a tournament where Spain’s starting XI has been easy to predict. In fact, the only time De la Fuente has repeated a lineup came in the quarterfinals, when he stuck with the same team that beat Saudi Arabia in the group stage. Every other game has brought at least one adjustment.

• How Spain can overcome France in 2026 semifinal

Will Fabián Ruiz keep his place?

The biggest surprise against Belgium came in midfield.

Pedri dropped to the bench, while Fabián Ruiz returned to the starting lineup after missing out following the opening game. The Paris Saint-Germain midfielder made the most of his opportunity, delivering an outstanding display capped by a goal. He added defensive balance and picked his moments well when pushing forward, making him the favorite to start again.

His place would be alongside Rodri, who has produced the kind of commanding performances worthy of Ballon d’Or discussion. The Manchester City midfielder is untouchable in Spain’s lineup, but the player next to him is still open for debate.

There’s also the possibility that De la Fuente opts for an even more crowded midfield.

Against a France team that thrives in transition, packing the center of the field could be Spain’s best defensive weapon. That brings Pedri back into the conversation, while Gavi’s relentless energy and pressing ability as an attacking midfielder also offer another tactical option.

If Gavi were to start, Álex Baena would likely be the player to make way. The Atlético Madrid midfielder has started every game since missing the Cabo Verde match and has impressed throughout the knockout rounds, so continuity may still win out.

How will Spain line up against France?

Elsewhere, there appear to be few doubts.

Lamine Yamal is certain to start on the right, while Dani Olmo remains a key figure behind striker Mikel Oyarzabal.

Spain’s defense has arguably been its biggest strength throughout the tournament. Unai Simón is expected to continue in goal behind a settled back four of Pedro Porro, Pau Cubarsí, Aymeric Laporte and Marc Cucurella.

Porro has firmly established himself at right back after initially sharing minutes with Marcos Llorente. His attacking threat has been evident, but against France he’ll also need to deliver one of his strongest defensive performances yet.

Spain’s projected starting XI vs. France: Unai Simón; Pedro Porro, Pau Cubarsí, Aymeric Laporte, Marc Cucurella; Fabián Ruiz, Rodri; Lamine Yamal, Dani Olmo, Álex Baena; Mikel Oyarzabal.

Almost every position appears settled. Just one or two decisions remain before Spain takes one last deep breath ahead of another shot at reaching the World Cup final.

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