Baghdad: Ahead of the all-European football summit between France and Spain in the World Cup semi-final, several striking statistics underscore the importance of this encounter between two of the world's most prominent and powerful teams. Luis de la Fuente has become the coach with the most matches played in the World Cup and European Championship without a single defeat, having led the team in 13 matches across both tournaments, winning 12 and drawing one.
According to National Iraqi News Agency, Kylian Mbapp© and Ousmane Demb©l© have created 19 chances for each other in the World Cup. This remarkable synergy puts them just behind historic duos like Franz Beckenbauer and Wolfgang Overath, Rivaldo and Ronaldo, and ngel Di Mara and Lionel Messi. Mbapp© has also made his mark by scoring 12 goals in the knockout stages, though he has yet to score in a semi-final match.
This semi-final marks the second World Cup meeting between France and Spain, the first being in 2006 when France emerged victorious. Historically, Spain has had an edge over France, winning seven of their last ten encounters. France, however, boasts an impressive World Cup record, having reached the final in their last four semi-final appearances, all while maintaining a clean sheet.
Spain, the 2010 World Cup champions, have shown consistency in major tournaments, reaching the semi-finals in six of their last seven appearances. Their only semi-final loss in recent history was a penalty shootout defeat to Italy in Euro 2020. France aims to join Germany and Brazil as the only teams to reach three consecutive World Cup finals.
Spain has been formidable since the 2018 World Cup, losing just one of 27 major tournament matches and maintaining an unbeaten streak in their last 14 matches. France, with six straight wins at the 2026 World Cup, aims to replicate Italy's historical achievement of seven consecutive victories.
France's attacking prowess is evident with 47 shots on target this tournament, a feat only surpassed by their 1998 World Cup performance. Kylian Mbapp©'s shot accuracy further highlights their offensive strength. Meanwhile, Spain's Mikel Merino has made history, becoming the first substitute to score winning goals in two different knockout matches.
Didier Deschamps will set a record with his 26th World Cup match as a coach, and Kylian Mbapp©'s performances under his leadership are record-breaking. As France and Spain prepare for this historic semi-final clash, both teams carry significant momentum and ambition, promising a thrilling encounter on the world stage.