The France team will face one of the most demanding challenges of the 2026 World Cup this Tuesday when it faces Spain for a ticket to the final. On the eve of the match, the French coach, Didier Deschamps, did not hesitate to place his rival as the main candidate to advance, an assessment that, he assured, he has maintained since the beginning of the tournament.

"I confirm that Spain is the favorite. Aside from the first game against Cape Verde, the rest have confirmed what I said. It is not to put pressure on Luis de la Fuente and his team - he ironically -. They know that people expect a lot from them in Spain. It is a team that knows how to attack and defend very well, they have conceded a goal in six games," Deschamps stated.

The French coach considered that the confrontation has all the ingredients to become one of the most attractive matches of the championship due to the offensive potential of both teams.

“It could be a spectacular match, due to the quality of the two, due to the offensive level they have,” he added.

France monitors Tchouaméni before the semi-final

In addition to analyzing his rival, Deschamps offered an update on the physical situation of some members of his squad. The case that generates the most attention is that of midfielder Aurélien Tchouaméni, who did not participate in the two most recent training sessions due to an injury.

The coach explained that the player is not yet fully recovered, although he is already available for the team ahead of the duel against Spain.

"Aurelien did not play the last two games, because the risk was high. He is better, but he is not 100% recovered. It is a semi-final and he played his last game 15 days ago. The important thing is that he is with us. Now he is available," he said.

In contrast, Deschamps ruled out any physical problem related to Kylian Mbappé, although he did not offer further details about the forward.

The coach was also consulted about the previous defeats suffered against Spain in the Euro Cup and in the Nations League. However, he rejected that this background represents a reference for this Tuesday's meeting.

“There are no lessons to learn, but a truth on the pitch,” he expressed before remembering that these are different competitions.

"They are different competitions. It is not the same level of competition. We are consistent with the quality they have, that is why they have only scored one goal, because it is difficult to take the ball away from them. Let's see who has the ball. It is not any type of revenge," he added.

Regarding Lamine Yamal, one of the main figures of the Spanish team, Deschamps recognized the talent of the young footballer, although he made it clear that France also has players capable of making a difference.

"We also have quality players. We hope to qualify. Previous experience counts, but we are at another level and in another competition," concluded the French coach before a semifinal that will define one of the finalists of the 2026 World Cup.