FIFA World Cup: Key players to watch as France play Spain in semifinal

Spain-France clash is filled with superstars like Kylian Mbappe, Ousmane Dembele and Lamine Yamal, among others.European giants France and Spain will compete for a place in the World Cup final on Tuesday, as the first semifinal kicks off in Dallas.Both sides have some star names among their ranks, with the likes of Kylian Mbappe, Michael Olise and Lamine Yamal set to play a key role in securing their country’s place in Sunday’s final.Recommended Stories list of 4 itemslist 1 of 4England and Argentina renew rivalry: All to know about World Cup semifinallist 2 of 4Will the 2030 World Cup expand to 64 teams? What FIFA’s Infantino sayslist 3 of 4World Cup Preview: France and Spain clash in all-European blockbuster semilist 4 of 4FIFA to sell pieces of World Cup final stadium pitch, could earn millionsend of listHere’s a closer look at some of the key players who will decide Tuesday’s first semifinal.Kylian Mbappe in action against Paraguay during their round of 16 match [Bill Streicher/Reuters]Kylian MbappeWorld Cup 2026 statistics: Goals: 8 Assists: 3 Minutes played: 563 The French captain has been in remarkable form at this World Cup, breaking numerous records along the way.After bagging four goals in the group stages, Mbappe has now scored in every knockout round so far, and he has also provided a number of assists.The Real Madrid forward is in the form of his life and is the biggest threat in a star-studded Les Bleus XI.After scoring a hat-trick in a World Cup final loss to Argentina in Qatar, Mbappe will be determined to go one step further this year.Michael Olise in action against Paraguay [Bill Streicher/Reuters]Michael OliseWorld Cup 2026 statistics: Goals: 0 Assists: 5 Minutes played: 488 Michael Olise may not have got himself on the scoresheet at this World Cup so far, but he is the player that has provided the most assists.He has set up five goals for France, and his partnership with Mbappe has been a highlight of the tournament.The Bayern Munich midfielder has the technical ability to unlock defences, and he will be a key attacking threat in the semifinal with Spain.France’s Ousmane Dembele celebrates scoring their second goal against Morocco [Mike Segar/Reuters]Ousmane DembeleWorld Cup 2026 statistics: