France ready to get ‘revenge for the Euros’ in World Cup semi-final against Spain

France arrive in Dallas with a point to prove. Two years after Spain ended their Euro 2024 ambitions in Munich with a 2-1 extra-time victory, Didier Deschamps’ side are back in a World Cup semi-final and ready to settle the score. Warren Zaïre-Emery, who watched from the bench in Germany, now feels the weight of that defeat—and he is determined to erase it. The midfielder’s words carry real conviction. “We have a different team, to my mind,” he said. “We are ready. We want to win against Spain and get our revenge for the Euros.”

Zaïre-Emery, who made his major tournament debut in France’s 2-0 quarter-final win over Morocco, spoke plainly about the team’s mindset. This is no hollow pre-match soundbite; it is a reflection of how deeply the defeat in Munich still stings. France’s path to this stage has been built on attacking flair and defensive steel. They dismantled Morocco with ease, scoring twice in the first 30 minutes, and have looked revitalised since their sluggish start against Cape Verde. Spain, by contrast, have been steadily improving, grinding out results and now stand on the brink of a final. But Zaïre-Emery insists France are not intimidated. “It’s a semi-final and that’s what we’re going to do—we’re going to deliver tomorrow,” he said.

The tactical chessboard in Dallas

Deschamps, ever the pragmatist, may make one subtle but significant change to his starting XI. Aurélien Tchouaméni could replace Manu Koné in midfield if the Real Madrid man is deemed fit after a muscle injury sustained in training. The coach has downplayed concerns over Kylian Mbappé, who missed part of Monday’s session but returned for a limited drill on Tuesday. “Yes, he trained,” Deschamps confirmed. “He is allowed to do 10 minutes in one drill instead of 15.” The World Cup top scorer’s availability is crucial; his presence alongside Ousmane Dembélé and Antoine Griezmann could tilt the balance in attack.

Deschamps’ assessment of Spain’s form is telling. Despite France’s strong run, he still views Spain as favourites. “I confirm it,” he said. “Forget about the first game against Cape Verde. Ever since then Spain have confirmed that they are the favourites.” The coach’s realism is refreshing—he knows this will be a clash of two teams brimming with attacking talent, but he also trusts his side to defend when needed. “Luis and myself know how to defend well,” he added. His reference to Spain’s manager Luis de la Fuente underlines the mutual respect between two pragmatic tacticians who prioritise structure over spectacle.

The stakes beyond the scoreboard

For Spain, a place in the final would cap a remarkable resurgence under de la Fuente. Their victory over France in Munich two years ago was hard-earned, and they have since rebuilt with purpose, grinding out results in a tournament where defensive solidity has been their hallmark. For France, the chance to banish the ghosts of Euro 2024 is everything. This is not just another semi-final; it is a chance to rewrite history. The loser will face the agony of another near-miss, while the winner will march one step closer to lifting the World Cup in a final that could feature either Lionel Messi’s Argentina or the Netherlands.

The stage is set for a spectacle. Two teams with elite attacking quality, both capable of scoring at will, now face each other in a knockout decider. France’s front three of Dembélé, Griezmann, and Mbappé—when fit—poses a constant threat, while Spain’s reliance on Rodri and Lamine Yamal in midfield offers both control and creativity. The winner will need to exploit the other’s vulnerabilities: France’s high press against Spain’s patient build-up, or Spain’s counter-attacks against France’s occasional defensive lapses.

Zaïre-Emery’s words will resonate in the dressing room: “We are a united group, we are happy to be together, and that’s all that matters.” That unity, forged in adversity, could be the difference when the whistle blows in Dallas. The midfielder’s inclusion in the squad—after being an unused substitute in Munich—symbolises France’s evolution. They are no longer the team that exited Euro 2024 in tears; they are a side with fresh legs, sharper minds, and a burning desire to exorcise the past. Whether that translates into a World Cup final remains to be seen, but one thing is certain: this France side is ready to deliver.