On Monday evening at a press conference, Didier Deschamps confirmed that Aurélien Tchouaméni had not fully recovered from his injury, but did not rule out his participation against Spain. The French coach also offered reassurance regarding Kylian Mbappé, discussed the competition between Manu Koné and the Real Madrid midfielder, as well as the rivalry between Désiré Doué and Bradley Barcola. Just hours before the World Cup semi-final, scheduled for Tuesday, July 14th at 21 pm at Arlington Stadium near Dallas, no starting lineup has yet been announced.
Tchouaméni has not yet fully recovered
Having missed the round of 16 match against Paraguay and the quarter-final against Morocco, Aurélien Tchouaméni remains hampered by his adductor injury. The Real Madrid player has resumed full training and is now available for selection, but his physical condition remains a major question mark ahead of the match against the Spanish midfielder. Didier Deschamps didn't hide the situation: "Tchouaméni isn't 100% recovered, but it's a World Cup semi-final!" The coach can therefore decide to start a player who isn't yet at full fitness, with the option of substituting him during the match.
Manu Koné gained credibility during his absence
Manu Koné replaced Tchouaméni in the previous two matches and performed well alongside Adrien Rabiot. His work rate, impact in duels, and ability to get forward have strengthened his case to start this semi-final. Deschamps declined to announce his decision: "Every coach has choices to make." He has two different profiles. Tchouaméni brings his positioning, passing quality, and experience in big matches. Koné offers more mobility and arrives with the match fitness gained against Paraguay and Morocco. Despite reports suggesting the Real Madrid player's return to the starting eleven, the coach has not confirmed any hierarchy. His choice will depend as much on Tchouaméni's physical condition as on how he intends to respond to Spain's possession-based style.
Mbappé is reported to be in full possession of his abilities
Didier Deschamps was much more categorical regarding Kylian Mbappé. The French captain, who has already scored eight goals in this World Cup, will be available to lead the French attack. When asked about his striker's condition, Deschamps replied humorously: "Kylian Mbappé is doing well. 100%? You can't go beyond 100, so yes, he's at 100%." Mbappé is currently tied for the top scorer spot in the tournament with Lionel Messi . Along with Ousmane Dembélé, he forms the most prolific attacking duo in the competition, the two Frenchmen having scored thirteen goals between them.
Doué and Barcola remain in competition
Another decision concerns the left flank. Désiré Doué started against Morocco after a decisive appearance off the bench against Paraguay. Bradley Barcola, a starter in previous matches, remains an option capable of attacking the space behind the defense and exploiting gaps in the Spanish backline. Deschamps hasn't ruled out either player: "Both have the potential to start." Since the start of the World Cup, the coach has regularly rotated them. The player who doesn't start almost always plays a significant role in the second half. Doué provides more presence in the center and can support the midfield. Barcola possesses a more direct style of play and speed that can trouble a Spanish team that typically sets up a very high defensive line. Deschamps will keep his decision until the official lineup announcement.
Lamine Yamal will not be treated as the sole threat
Lamine Yamal remains a central figure ahead of this reunion. The Spanish striker scored in the Euro 2024 semi-final and was instrumental in La Roja's spectacular Nations League victory in 2025. Deschamps responded without announcing any individual tactics: " Playing one-on-one against some of my players isn't exactly fun." France boasts Jules Koundé, his Barcelona teammate, as well as several fast defenders capable of defending in open spaces. Adrien Rabiot had already dismissed the idea of focusing solely on the young Spaniard: "There's no anti-Yamal plan. We're concentrating on the Spanish team, not on one player. They're dangerous at every level."
Deschamps refuses to base his game on previous defeats
France has suffered two defeats against Spain in its last two matches. Les Bleus lost 2-1 in the Euro 2024 semi-final, then 5-4 in the Nations League semi-final in June 2025. Deschamps, however, believes these encounters don't allow us to predict Tuesday's scenario. "No two semi-finals are ever the same ," the coach reminded everyone. When asked about the lessons learned from these last two encounters, he added: "There are no lessons to be learned!"
The French team fielded during this World Cup has a different attacking formation, with Michael Olise positioned behind Mbappé and Dembélé, while Doué or Barcola regularly complete the quartet. Les Bleus have scored fourteen goals and conceded only two since the start of the competition. Spain has conceded just one goal. Neither team has yet trailed in this tournament.
The trip to Spain is not a concern for the coach.
Spain played their quarter-final in California before traveling to Texas, while the French arrived from the Boston area. Deschamps declined to compare the distances or the accumulated fatigue of the two teams. "I didn't look at the Spanish team's travel time ," he stated. La Roja trained with all 26 players present on Monday morning in Dallas.
Deschamps maintains Spain's status as favorites
Earlier on Monday, Didier Deschamps once again placed La Roja ahead of France in the pecking order: “We were labeled as favorites before this World Cup, but Spain is the favorite. I'm not saying that to put pressure on them. ” Spain are the reigning European champions and have won their last two matches against Les Bleus. However, France boasts the best attack in the tournament and could reach a third consecutive World Cup final, after their title in 2018 and runner-up finish in 2022.
Zaire-Emery wants to respond on the field
Also speaking to the press, Warren Zaïre-Emery described two teams with contrasting strengths: “Spain has quality on the ball. We have the ability to counter-attack quickly, defend well, and also to have possession. The game will decide what we do. We're just eager to play this match.” The French midfielder also emphasized the importance of a collective response led by Mbappé: “Everyone knows Kylian, his qualities. He's been named MVP three times. He's simply an extraordinary player, he always delivers. But above all, we're a team, and we want to win the match as a team.”
Jules Koundé confirmed that Les Bleus did not intend to intentionally relinquish possession: "We have a different style of play, particularly based on transitions, even though we want to have the ball tomorrow." France will have to find a balance between its fast-paced game, its attacking power, and the need to avoid being under pressure for extended periods.
A victory would give Les Bleus a third consecutive World Cup final appearance and their fifth in the last eight tournaments. To achieve this, Deschamps will first have to resolve his two remaining dilemmas: Tchouaméni or Koné in midfield, and Doué or Barcola on the left wing.
