Rabat – France and Spain have announced their starting lineups for tonight’s World Cup semifinal at Dallas Stadium.
Didier Deschamps has restored Aurelien Tchouameni to France’s midfield after the Real Madrid player recovered from a thigh problem. He replaces Manu Kone and starts alongside Adrien Rabiot.
Bradley Barcola also starts in attack ahead of Desire Doue, joining Ousmane Dembele, Michael Olise and captain Kylian Mbappe.
France starting XI
Mike Maignan; Jules Kounde, Dayot Upamecano, William Saliba, Lucas Digne; Adrien Rabiot, Aurelien Tchouameni; Ousmane Dembele, Michael Olise, Bradley Barcola; Kylian Mbappe.
Luis de la Fuente has kept faith with the Spain side that defeated Belgium in the quarterfinals.
Fabián Ruiz retains his place alongside Rodri, leaving Pedri on the bench. Alex Baena also starts on the left wing, with Lamine Yamal operating from the right and Dani Olmo supporting Mikel Oyarzabal.
Spain starting XI
Unai Simon; Pedro Porro, Pau Cubarsi, Aymeric Laporte, Marc Cucurella; Rodri, Fabián Ruiz; Lamine Yamal, Dani Olmo, Alex Baena; Mikel Oyarzabal.
Mikel Merino remains among the substitutes despite scoring late winning goals in Spain’s previous two knockout matches. Nico Williams and Yeremy Pino are also available from the bench after recovering from injuries.
France reached the semifinal after defeating Morocco 2-0, while Spain secured their place with a 2-1 victory over Belgium.
The winner will face either England or Argentina in Sunday’s World Cup final.
