FIFA World Cup 2026: France recall Barcola, Tchouameni; Spain unchanged for semi-final
Texas, July 15
France have recalled Bradley Barcola and Aurelien Tchouameni to their starting XI for the FIFA World Cup semifinal against Spain, while La Roja have retained the same lineup for the high-voltage clash.
Barcola returns to France's attack in place of Desire Doue, who drops to the bench. He joins Ousmane Dembele, Michael Olise and captain Kylian Mbappe in the frontline.
Tchouameni also returns to the starting XI after missing France's previous two matches due to injury. He is set to partner Adrien Rabiot in midfield.
Spain head coach Luis de la Fuente has opted to stick with the same team that featured in the previous match.
Fabian Ruiz continues in midfield alongside Rodri and Dani Olmo, while Pedri has again been named among the substitutes.
Alex Baena starts in attack alongside teenage sensation Lamine Yamal and Mikel Oyarzabal.
The winners of the semifinal will face either Argentina or England in the FIFA World Cup final.
Mike Maignan; Jules Kounde, Dayot Upamecano, William Saliba, Lucas Digne; Aurelien Tchouameni, Adrien Rabiot; Ousmane Dembele, Michael Olise, Bradley Barcola; Kylian Mbappe (captain).
Unai Simon; Pedro Porro, Pau Cubarsi, Aymeric Laporte, Marc Cucurella; Rodri (captain), Fabian Ruiz, Dani Olmo; Lamine Yamal, Alex Baena, Mikel Oyarzabal.
— ANI
Reader Comments
France's attack looks scary with Mbappe, Barcola, Dembele, and Olise. 😱 But Spain's midfield (Rodri, Fabian, Olmo) and that young gem Lamine Yamal... tough to call. Any team could win. India should aim to play like this one day!
I think Spain's consistency might edge it. Pedri on the bench is surprising, but De la Fuente knows his team. France's firepower is undeniable though. No matter who wins, the final will be epic—especially if it's against Argentina or England!
Tchouameni returning is crucial for France's balance. Without him, their midfield was a bit shaky. Spain will test him early with Rodri pulling the strings. Let's see if France's pace overwhelms Spain's defense. Excited for this one! ⚽🔥
Both teams strong, but I'm rooting for Spain. Yamal at 17 is incredible—he brings that 'desi' hustle we love to see! 🇮🇳 Wish some Asian teams could reach this stage. France might edge it due to experience, but Spain's youth is inspiring.
Great to see Barcola back—he adds width France missed. But I worry about Digne at left-back against Yamal's trickery. Spain's unchanged XI shows confidence, but is it enough against this French attack? Should be a cracker!
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