These France Spain stats frame the standout semifinal of the 2026 World Cup: the tournament's most prolific attack against its meanest defense. France reached the last four with a 2-0 win over Morocco, while Spain edged Belgium 2-1, and the numbers capture two elite but contrasting sides, France ruthless in front of goal, Spain suffocating without the ball. From the head-to-head to tournament form, defensive records and the Mbappe-versus-Spain-defense battle, here is the most complete statistical picture of the meeting in Dallas.
France Spain: the key numbers compared
The **stats** lay out the contrast perfectly: France score more, Spain concede less, and both have been near-flawless in the knockouts.
| Tournament stat (6 games) | France | Spain |
|---|---|---|
| Record | 6 wins from 6 | 5 wins, 1 draw |
| Goals scored | 16 | 11 |
| Goals conceded | 2 | 2 |
| Knockout results | Sweden 3-0, Paraguay 1-0, Morocco 2-0 | Austria 3-0, Portugal 1-0, Belgium 2-1 |
| Leading scorer | Kylian Mbappe (8) | Mikel Oyarzabal (4) |
| FIFA ranking | 3rd | Among the world's top |
France Spain head-to-head
The two European giants share a rich recent **head-to-head**. Their most memorable meeting was the 2025 Nations League semifinal, a nine-goal thriller Spain won 5-4, with teenager Lamine Yamal scoring twice. France also beat Spain in the 2024 Euros semifinal on the way to that tournament's final. The record between them is competitive and high-scoring, a pattern that hints this semifinal could produce goals despite both defenses, and a reminder that these sides know each other intimately.
France stats: the tournament's best attack
France's numbers are built on firepower and growing solidity. They have scored 16 goals in six games and conceded just twice, winning all six. **Kylian Mbappe** leads the way with eight goals, taking him to 20 in his World Cup career, one behind Lionel Messi's all-time record, and he is the first player with 10 or more direct goal involvements at two different World Cups. Ousmane Dembele has added five and Michael Olise has been the creative hub. France's expected-goals numbers have consistently outstripped opponents, and their defense, marshalled by William Saliba, has conceded only in the group stage.
Spain stats: the meanest defense left
Spain's profile is control and defensive excellence. They have scored 11 and conceded just two in six games, keeping clean sheets against Uruguay, Austria and Portugal in a run of dominance under Luis de la Fuente. **Mikel Oyarzabal** is their top scorer with four, Mikel Merino has provided decisive late goals, and teenage star Lamine Yamal is their standout creator. Spain routinely win the possession and passing battles, strangling opponents and limiting them to few chances, exactly the game plan that has carried them to a first World Cup semifinal since their 2010 triumph.
France Spain stats: the battle within the game
The decisive statistical clash is France's attack against Spain's defense. France average the higher **xG** and the more shots on target, powered by Mbappe and Dembele; Spain average the higher possession and the fewer goals conceded, built to deny space. Whichever trend wins out is likely to decide the tie.
| Strength | France | Spain |
|---|---|---|
| Goals per game | 2.7 | 1.8 |
| Goals conceded per game | 0.3 | 0.3 |
| Style | Transition and pace | Possession and control |
| Key man | Mbappe (8 goals) | Oyarzabal (4 goals) |
| Clean sheets (knockouts) | 2 of 3 | 2 of 3 |
The standout numbers
- 16 vs 11: goals scored, France the tournament's most prolific attack.
- 2 and 2: goals conceded by each, the two meanest defenses left.
- 20: Mbappe's career World Cup goals, one behind Messi's all-time record.
- 8 vs 4: goals for Mbappe against Spain's top scorer Oyarzabal.
- 5-4: Spain's win in the sides' 2025 Nations League semifinal thriller.
- 6 wins: France's perfect tournament record heading into the last four.
What the stats say
Read together, the numbers make this the finest semifinal on paper of the tournament: the best attack against the best defense, with almost nothing separating them on goals conceded. France's edge is their cutting edge and Mbappe's brilliance; Spain's is their control and their ability to strangle a game. The head-to-head suggests goals are possible, but both defensive records point to a tight contest. On the data, this is a genuine coin flip, with France's finishing the likeliest thing to tip it, and extra time a real possibility given how evenly matched these sides are.
Frequently asked questions
What is the France Spain head-to-head record?
France and Spain have met regularly in recent years, most memorably in the 2025 Nations League semifinal, a 5-4 Spain win featuring a Lamine Yamal brace. Their games tend to be competitive and high-scoring, and both sides know each other well heading into this World Cup semifinal.
How do France and Spain compare statistically?
France have scored 16 goals in six games and conceded two, the tournament's best attack. Spain have scored 11 and also conceded just two, the meanest defense left. Mbappe leads France with eight goals; Oyarzabal tops Spain with four.
Who is the top scorer in France vs Spain?
Kylian Mbappe is France's and the match's standout scorer with eight goals at the tournament and 20 in his World Cup career. Mikel Oyarzabal leads Spain with four, supported by Mikel Merino's decisive late goals and Lamine Yamal's creativity.
Which team has the better defense?
Both have conceded just twice in six games, so the defensive records are near-identical. Spain rely on possession to protect their goal, while France defend well in transition, meaning the styles differ even if the numbers match.
What do the stats suggest for France vs Spain?
The stats point to the tournament's tightest semifinal: the best attack against the best defense, with almost nothing between them on goals conceded. France's finishing gives them a slight edge, but the tie looks close enough to go to extra time.
