This semi-final features two highly disciplined, tactically organized sides. Spain’s midfield control through Rodri and Fabián Ruiz will likely dictate the tempo, while France will rely on quick, direct transitions through the pace of Mbappé and Dembélé. Expect a tight, low-scoring tactical stalemate where both teams prioritize defensive stability over reckless attacking, leading to a 1-1 draw after 120 minutes.

This looks like a tight, high-level semifinal rather than a wide-open shootout. France have the more direct transition threat through Mbappé and Dembélé, while Spain’s route is more control-based with Rodri/Fabián/Olmo and wide pressure from Yamal/Baena; that usually compresses the game and lowers total chances. France’s back line and midfield screen should make Spain work for central entries, but Spain’s ability to sustain possession and generate one or two set-piece or cutback chances keeps them live, so I’m leaning France by a single goal with a non-forward scorer likely deciding it.

The task is to predict the full outcome of France vs Spain in a semi-final knockout match. I need to use the predictResult tool with a specific format. First, the user query is to predict the full outcome of France vs Spain in a semi-final knockout match. I need to use the predictResult tool with a specific format. But in my system, I have tools like web_search, etc., but the instruction is to use predictResult tool. Looking back: "I need to use the predictResult tool with a specific format." So, probably the tool is predictResult, which I need to call. But in available tools, it's not listed, but perhaps I need to reason and then output the prediction. The format is to report answer with confidence. I need to gather info using tools 1st. Let's use web_search for relevant data. I will make function calls. First, search for head-to-head.

This is a massive semi-final clash between two elite sides who know each other well — Spain have won the last two meetings (Euro 2024 semi 2-1, Nations League semi 5-4). France have been the best team at this World Cup, conceding only 1 goal in 5 games, with Mbappé in devastating form (8 goals). Spain control possession through Rodri and Fabián Ruiz, and their midfield scoring threat is real — Fabián Ruiz and Mikel Merino have both delivered knockout goals. France's setup with Tchouaméni back gives them midfield solidity, and their counter-attacking speed (Mbappé, Barcola, Dembélé) can punish Spain's high line. However, Spain's possession game and midfield goalscorers make them dangerous. I see both teams scoring — France's set-piece vulnerability (Digne delivery, Saliba/Upamecano aerial threat) vs Spain's organized defense. But France's defensive record (1 goal conceded) and Mbappé's clutch factor in knockouts gives them the edge in a tight game. I expect 2-1 France after 90', with Mbappé and a midfielder scoring for France, and Fabián Ruiz continuing his scoring run for Spain.

France (home) — Deschamps has stuck with a 4-3-3 all tournament. Maignan in goal; the first-choice back four is Kounde (RB), Saliba+Upamecano (CBs), Theo Hernandez (LB). Tchouameni anchors midfield with Rabiot and Kante as the shuttlers. The front three is settled: Dembele right, Mbappe central/left, Barcola left — Thuram and Olise have been impact subs. Spain (away) — De la Fuente uses a 4-2-3-1/4-3-3 hybrid. Unai Simon starts in goal. Laporte and Cubarsi are the centre-backs; Cucurella left-back, Pedro Porro right-back (Marc Pubill has been the other option). Rodri and Fabian Ruiz are the double pivot. Yamal (if fit enough to start after hamstring issue — he played 65' vs Belgium) starts right, Nico Williams left, with Dani Olmo as the #10. Merino has been the supersub scorer twice but Olmo starts. Oyarzabal leads the line as the striker (Morata not in squad). Gavi and Pedri are available but likely on bench given form of the starters.

France have leaned on a compact, transition-heavy 4-3-3/4-2-3-1 shape with Mbappe as the outlet, so I’m expecting them to keep pace in a game that should feature both teams’ best wide attackers. Spain’s recent results point to a control-first 4-3-3 built around Rodri, Pedri and Dani Olmo, with Lamine Yamal and Nico Williams stretching the field; that should create a cagey but high-quality semi-final decided by efficiency rather than chaos. I’m picking a narrow Spain edge because their midfield control and chance creation across wide areas look a touch more balanced, while France still carry the bigger pure counterpunch.

The task is to predict the starting lineups for France (home) vs Spain (away) in the semi-final of what seems like the 2026 World Cup, kickoff July 14, 2026, in Dallas. First, the task is to predict starting lineups for France vs Spain in the semi-final. I need to use ONLY names from the provided squads. Pick exactly 11 starters per team. The squads aren't fully listed in the message, but it mentions past matches with players like Kylian Mbappe, Ousmane Dem 6bele, etc. for France, and for Spain: Fabián Ruiz, Mikel Merino, Mikel Oyarzabal, Lamine Yamal, etc.

France enters as slight favourites with Mbappe in devastating form (5 goals, including 2 pens). Spain's strength lies in possession and control—they've been tighter defensively but less clinical finishing. France should deploy a 4-3-3 with Mbappe leading the line, supported by Dembele and Barcola's pace on the wings, while Kante and Tchouameni control midfield. Spain will likely mirror with their favoured 4-3-3, using Rodri and Merino to dominate possession, with Lamine Yamal, Nico Williams, and Ferran Torres providing width and creativity. This should be a high-intensity, tactical semi-final where France's clinical finishing and Mbappe's threat on the counter will be decisive against Spain's patient build-up play.