France v Spain – predictions and odds – 2026 World Cup (14 July 2026)

Spain’s best chance of reaching the final may depend on how well they deny France a chaotic match. The French are at their most dangerous when the game opens up, with Mbappé and Dembélé able to punish even the smallest defensive mistake. Spain, by contrast, will want long spells on the ball and a contest played largely on their own terms.

That contrast makes the wide areas especially important. France’s full-backs can be exposed when their attacking players stay high, and Spain are well equipped to take advantage of that. Rather than forcing passes through a crowded middle, I expect them to isolate defenders and create one-against-one situations near the edge of the box.

Lamine Yamal should be central to that approach. He can beat his marker on the outside, drift inside to shoot or play the final ball for a team-mate arriving in the area. Even if France limit his number of touches, his ability to produce something decisive from a single opening makes him an obvious candidate to influence the scoreline.

My bet is Lamine Yamal to score or register an assist at any time, available at 2.20. I think the price is appealing given how often Spain look to him in attacking phases and the variety he brings in the final third. Should Spain score, there is every chance their most dangerous wide player will have played a direct part.