Spain lineup vs. France: Predicted XI for World Cup 2026 semi-final as Arsenal star Merino seeks start

Ahead of conscionable their 2nd World Cup semi-final, 2010 winners Spain - who indispensable bushed aged foes France to scope this year's decider - person a fistful of enactment calls to make.

Set for a showdown with Les Bleus connected Tuesday evening, Luis de la Fuente's broadside person lone conceded 1 extremity truthful far, and a backmost 4 featuring Pedro Porro, Pau Cubarsi, Bordeaux-born Aymeric Laporte and Real Madrid-bound Marc Cucurella should commencement again.

Behind them, coagulated goalkeeper Unai Simon continues to support David Raya and Joan Garcia connected the bench, but De La Fuente has immoderate dilemmas to resoluteness elsewhere.

Continuing his champion tally of signifier successful the celebrated reddish shirt, Mikel Oyarzabal has scored 4 goals astatine this World Cup and should pb a fluid beforehand line, but Ferran Torres is an capable alternative. 

Meanwhile, wingers Nico Williams, Victor Munoz and Yeremy Pino could propulsion for promotion from the bench, arsenic each 3 look to beryllium their fittingness pursuing injury.

As a result, Alex Baena is not definite of retaining his spot connected the near flank, pursuing a subdued showing successful the quarter-final triumph implicit Belgium. 

In midfield, double match-winner Mikel Merino has a beardown assertion to start alongside Rodri aft making a large interaction from the seat successful consecutive knockout games; Barcelona star Pedri is besides aiming to usurp Paris Saint Germain's Fabian Ruiz, portion Gavi and Martin Zubimendi stay deluxe subs.

Lamine Yamal has been beneath his champion truthful acold this summer, but the teenage winger offers an added magnitude connected La Roja's right, having archetypal proved his potency during a palmy Euro 2024 campaign.

Spain imaginable starting lineup: Simon; Porro, Cubarsi, Laporte, Cucurella; Rodri, Fabian; Yamal, Olmo, Baena; Oyarzabal

> Click present to spot however France could enactment up for their World Cup semi-final against Spain