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France Say They Will Defend As A Unit Ahead Of World Cup Semi-Final With Spain

French players are projecting confidence and a team-first defensive plan as coaches manage centre-back fitness before the match in Dallas.

Jul 10, 2026; Inglewood, California, USA; Spain forward Lamine Yamal (19) kicks the ball against Belgium during a quarterfinal match in the 2026 FIFA World Cup at Los Angeles Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
Jun 29, 2026; East Hanover, New Jersey, USA; France defender Ibrahima Konate (15) and midfielder Desire Doue (20) during a training session at Melanie Lane Training Grounds in preparation for an upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup match against Sweden. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images
Soccer Football - FIFA World Cup 2026 - Quarter Final - France v Morocco - Boston Stadium, Foxborough, Massachusetts, U.S. - July 9, 2026 France's William Saliba celebrates after the match as France qualify for the semi finals of the World Cup REUTERS/Paul Childs

Overview

  • Backup centre-backs Maxence Lacroix and Ibrahima Konaté spoke to reporters in Waltham on Sunday and said France are not afraid of Spain.
  • Both players stressed the plan is to defend against Spain as a whole rather than single out Barcelona winger Lamine Yamal.
  • Lacroix and Konaté said they believe France can contain Yamal and must focus on neutralising Spain’s collective quality.
  • Reports from the base camp say starters William Saliba and Dayot Upamecano missed a training session as staff managed their workloads for minor fitness concerns.
  • Les Bleus will fly to Dallas ahead of Tuesday’s semi-final and carry recent history with Spain into the match, having lost to them in recent knockout ties while remaining one of the tournament’s most experienced sides.