Ballon d'Or 2026 nominees list: Updated shortlist of players announced as soccer award contenders originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
The Ballon d'Or is considered the most prestigious individual award in soccer, and the 2026 gala is fast approaching as we will soon learn the latest player to be enshrined into global greatness.
Last year's men's winner Ousmane Dembele could be up for another triumph, but in all likelihood, a new winner is expected to be crowned.
Rodri, the 2024 winner, put himself back up for the award with a stunning run to a World Cup ****** le this summer, while Harry Kane, Lamine Yamal, and Michael Olise are considered contenders.
Lionel Messi would have potentially been a candidate and is likely to be included on the list thanks to another World Cup full of heroics, but defeat in the final probably ended any chance of lifting a record-extending ninth trophy.

#award #sporting #list #Soccer

Ousmane Dembele has backed Kylian Mbappe, Harry Kane and Khvicha Kvaratskhelia as his three leading candidates for the Ballon d'Or, while insisting that the prestigious award should remain with a Paris Saint-Germain player.
The Ballon d'Or ceremony is scheduled to take place in London on October 26, with several of the world's leading players in contention for the individual prize.
Mbappe is among the most prominent candidates despite Real Madrid ending last season without the major collective honours PSG enjoyed.
The France international's individual production, though, has kept him firmly in the conversation after scoring 42 goals and providing seven ***** ists in 44 appearances across all competitions.
Dembele, the latest Ballon d'Or winner, has now revealed the three players he believes should be competing most strongly for the award.

#mbappe #award

Ballon d'Or 2026 nominees list: Updated shortlist of players announced as soccer award contenders originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
The Ballon d'Or is considered the most prestigious individual award in soccer, and the 2026 gala is fast approaching as we will soon learn the latest player to be enshrined into global greatness.
Last year's men's winner Ousmane Dembele could be up for another triumph, but in all likelihood, a new winner is expected to be crowned.
Rodri, the 2024 winner, put himself back up for the award with a stunning run to a World Cup ****** le this summer, while Harry Kane, Lamine Yamal, and Michael Olise are considered contenders as well. Lionel Messi would have potentially been a candidate and is likely to be included on the list thanks to another World Cup full of heroics, but defeat in the final probably ended any chance of lifting a record-extending ninth trophy.
The Sporting News brings you a look at who has been nominated for this year's award, as the list of players from which the winner will be selected has been revealed.

#award #sporting #World

PSG have given Ousmane Demebele a game off, but it's purely to get him fresh rather than because of an injury.
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PSG have announced that Ousmane Dembele won't be in the squad to face Lille on Friday night.
In fact, the forward has not been training this week. He's been given a break by manager Luis Enrique, who subbed the forward off for Ferran Torres at half time in the draw against Rennes on Sunday.
Luis Enrique watches PSG from the touchline. (Photo by Alex Grimm/Getty Images)

#talk #Google #dembele

>> DOWNLOAD THE 2026/27 GFFN LIGUE 1 GUIDE HERE
At the dawn of another Ligue 1 season, the divide between PSG and the rest has never been so wide. Les Parisiens, in the wake of their maiden Champions League triumph, weren't expected to be challenged. Lens, in that sense, surprised many. Another challenge, either from Les Sang et Or or from elsewhere, would be welcomed but does not necessarily look forthcoming; the perception of PSG's invincibility has only been enhanced by their second consecutive UCL **** le.
Already the best side in the division, the best in Europe, the best team in French football history, PSG exist on an entirely different plane. They have the best starting XI in world football, and their transfer business attests to that, with the second string now the subject of Luís Campos' attention. The likes of Ferran Torres, Maghnes Akliouche, and Mika Godts look to be upgrades on Goncalo Ramos, Lee Kang-in, and Randal Kolo Muani. These are the types of players that will be regularly trotted out in Ligue 1, allowing the likes of Ousmane Dembélé, Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, Désiré Doué, etc., to save their best performances for those nights under the lights in the UCL.
All the while, the rest of Ligue 1 has, by and large, regressed. Marseille – at the time of writing – have yet to register a single recruit. Hamstrung by restrictions imposed by the DNCG and UEFA, they have been in fire-sale mode. They are guaranteed to begin the season weaker than they ended the last, regardless of what happens in the closing days of the transfer window.
They aren't the only ones. Lens have an Icarus-like quality to them, having run PSG close for the **** le and won their maiden Coupe de France **** le. A little too close to the sun, a little too much success, and they have come crashing down. Pierre Sage has left, as have Adrien Thomasson, Mamadou Sangaré, Malang Sarr, Allan Saint-Maximin, and Welsey Said. Les Sang et Or aren't building from Ground Zero, but the backbone of last season's side has been broken. A replication of last season's success would be miraculous.

#last #maiden #look

Luis Enrique raised some eyebrows last night when he took Ousmane Dembele off at half time of PSG's draw with Rennes.
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PSG came back from 2-0 down in the second half against Rennes last night to draw 2-2 in their opening game of the Ligue 1 season.
After the game, manager Luis Enrique was asked about the most eye-catching decision he made – hauling off star man Ousmane Dembele at half time to bring on Ferran Torres, who scored twice after the break.
"That's how football is. PSG hasn't won anything yet this season. If you dwell on what you've already won in the past, you won't win anything else. To me, the most important thing is that there's no gifts," the Asturian coach said.

#dembele #night #time

>> DOWNLOAD THE 2026/27 GFFN LIGUE 1 GUIDE HERE
At the dawn of another Ligue 1 season, the divide between PSG and the rest has never been so wide. Les Parisiens, in the wake of their maiden Champions League triumph, weren't expected to be challenged. Lens, in that sense, surprised many. Another challenge, either from Les Sang et Or or from elsewhere, would be welcomed but does not necessarily look forthcoming; the perception of PSG's invincibility has only been enhanced by their second consecutive UCL ******* le.
Already the best side in the division, the best in Europe, the best team in French football history, PSG exist on an entirely different plane. They have the best starting XI in world football, and their transfer business attests to that, with the second string now the subject of Luís Campos' attention. The likes of Ferran Torres, Maghnes Akliouche, and Mika Godts look to be upgrades on Goncalo Ramos, Lee Kang-in, and Randal Kolo Muani. These are the types of players that will be regularly trotted out in Ligue 1, allowing the likes of Ousmane Dembélé, Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, Désiré Doué, etc., to save their best performances for those nights under the lights in the UCL.
All the while, the rest of Ligue 1 has, by and large, regressed. Marseille – at the time of writing – have yet to register a single recruit. Hamstrung by restrictions imposed by the DNCG and UEFA, they have been in fire-sale mode. They are guaranteed to begin the season weaker than they ended the last, regardless of what happens in the closing days of the transfer window.
They aren't the only ones. Lens have an Icarus-like quality to them, having run PSG close for the ******* le and won their maiden Coupe de France ******* le. A little too close to the sun, a little too much success, and they have come crashing down. Pierre Sage has left, as have Adrien Thomasson, Mamadou Sangaré, Malang Sarr, Allan Saint-Maximin, and Welsey Said. Les Sang et Or aren't building from Ground Zero, but the backbone of last season's side has been broken. A replication of last season's success would be miraculous.

#look

Bradley Barcola has been left out of another Paris Saint-Germain squad as the France international continues to be linked with a move to Liverpool and ****** nal. The 23-year-old was not involved in PSG's victory over Aston Villa in the Super Cup or the defeat to Lens in the French Super Cup and has been left out of Luis Enrique's 21-man squad for their Ligue 1 opener against Rennes.
Liverpool are in the market for a winger they and PSG remain far apart in their valuations of Barcola, with the Champions League winners wanting £145m. Liverpool have also been linked with PSG's 18-year-old forward Ibrahim Mbaye, who like Barcola is not part of the squad to face Rennes on Sunday. ****** nal, meanwhile, want to strengthen the left side of their attack and were recently explored a move for Juventus forward Kenan Yildiz.
Barcola faces an uncertain future at PSG, who are demanding £145m for him (PA)
Barcola has played a role in PSG's back-to-back Champions League ****** les under Enrique but faces an uncertain future after the European champions strengthened their attack this summer. PSG have signed three attackers this summer in Spain's World Cup winner Ferran Torres from Barcelona, Belgian winger Mika Godts from Ajax and France international Maghnes Akliouche from Marseille.
All three of PSG's new attacking signings are in the squad to face Rennes as the French champions begin their Ligue 1 ****** le defence. With PSG also retaining the services of Ballon d'Or winner Ousmane Dembele, Khvicha Kvaratskhelia and Desire Doue, opportunities for Barcola appear limited but Liverpool first need PSG to come down from their £145m valuation for the winger as they look to replace Mohamed Salah.

#barcola #left

Paris Saint-Germain enter the season with the expectation that they should lift their sixth Ligue 1 ******* le in a row. However, this week hasn't been ideal preparation for the campaign. On Sunday, a defeat to RC Lens in the Trophée des Champions was followed by the news that the Parc des Princes was unusable for their opening game against Stade de Rennais, meaning this match would have to take place in Rennes.
Luis Enrique would be without Nuno Mendes for this game due to his suspension after he picked up a red card in the loss to Lens. This meant that summer signing Lucas Digne would be back in the starting line-up for tonight.
L'Équipe expects that Digne will be alone among the new recruits, with the rest of the high-profile summer signings: Maghnes Akliouche, Mika Godts, and Ferran Torres on the bench.
Matvey Safonov; Lucas Digne, Willian Pacho, Marquinhos, Achraf Hakimi; João Neves, Vitinha, Warren Zaïre-Emery; Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, Ousmane Dembélé, Désiré Doué. (L'Éq)
GFFN | Nick Hartland

#digne

Lens stunned Paris Saint-Germain with a 1-0 victory in the Trophée des Champions, securing their first silverware of the new domestic campaign despite playing much of the contest with 10 men.
PSG started on the front foot and controlled the ball, but Lens gradually grew into the contest. The hosts then struck against the run of play in the 32nd minute, with Florian Thauvin arriving at the far post to convert Matthieu Udol's delivery.
Lens' advantage was short on numbers, however, as Kyllian Antonio was dismissed six minutes before the interval for a dangerous challenge on Maghnes Akliouche. PSG almost took advantage immediately, but Désiré Doué saw his effort come back off the crossbar.
Luis Enrique's side continued to dominate possession after the restart but struggled to turn it into clear openings. Ousmane Dembélé tested Robin Risser, while Nuno Mendes also went close from distance as Lens remained disciplined.
The Parisians' hopes of finding a late leveller suffered another blow when Mendes was shown a straight red card for an off-the-ball incident involving Michal Skoras in the closing stages.

#mendes #ball

Tonight, Ligue 1 champions Paris Saint-Germain are set to take on Coupe de France winners RC Lens in the French curtain-raiser. Luis Enrique's PSG have already collected one trophy this week, beating Aston Villa in the UEFA Super Cup.
Nuno Mendes picked up a knock during the match against Villa on Wednesday, and should be replaced in the line-up by new signing Lucas Digne. The France international was left on the bench against his former team, but will likely be handed his debut tonight.
Yesterday, PSG completed a double signing for Ferran Torres from Barcelona and Mika Godts from Ajax. Of the two, Godts could debut off the bench, while L'Équipe writes that Torres will be rested and has been left out of the matchday squad.
Matvey Safonov; Lucas Digne, Willian Pacho, Marquinhos, Warren Zaïre-Emery; Fabián Ruiz, Vitinha, Senny Mayulu; Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, Ousmane Dembélé, Maghnes Akliouche. (L'Éq)
GFFN | Nick Hartland

#lucas #digne

Obviously, Bayern Munich would love for Harry Kane to get the acclaim he deserves and win the Ballon d'Or, but the club does have other reasons for hoping that the Englishman can win the coveted trophy:
I heard it would be a very important thing for Harry Kane to win this year's Ballon d'Or. It would also be very important for Bayern Munich, because it would show that the club can be anything for any player and that the Bundesliga is not just a "farmer's league"; the best players can play in the German top-flight. For Kane, of course, it would be important after England's disappointing exit from the World Cup. He won the golden boot this season, the Bundesliga and DFB Pokal, so he has a very good chance. I had a look at the bookies and they have very good odds on Harry Kane. But he has, of course, competition; there's Kylian Mbappe who scored 10 goals, Lionel Messi (who's already a big name) with eight goals in the World Cup, and don't forget the world champions with Rodri and Lamine Yamal, not to mention Ousmane Dembele from PSG who helped them win the Champions League. So, it's getting difficult for Harry Kane.
Ultimately, Kane winning the Ballon d'Or would also be beneficial for Bayern's negotiations with Michael Olise, as it proves to the Frenchman that he can achieve anything he wants with the Bavarian giants. So, perhaps he doesn't need to have his head turned by Real Madrid or other European heavyweights. Bayern Munich are looking at the Ballon d'Or ceremony, and it's in London on October 26 – so, a home advantage for Harry Kane.
Bayern Munich is not in the wrong here. The Bundesliga could use a profile boost and there is no other club equipped to help provide that. Just two years ago, Jamal Musiala was being touted as a Ballon d'Or candidate. Now, with Kane and Olise, it actually does have two players who performed to the requisite level of play to be under consideration.
For this writer, Kane has the edge over Olise, but both are likely to be swallowed by the propaganda machine that is France Football. Somehow, though. Mbappé and Messi will probably garner more consideration.

#ballon #d 'or

For a man who led France with such distinction, it was not a Bastille Day to savour. Didier Deschamps led his country for longer than Charles de Gaulle, albeit in rather different roles and with a less bombastic style. But he is football's most decorated Frenchman on the global stage. On a day seemingly designed for the French, however, his World Cup in effect ended. Spain outclassed France in Dallas.
After 14 years, after this 14 July, his reign only has a third-place play-off to come. There will be no third World Cup for Deschamps as player or manager, no third consecutive final in the dugout. He can retire the dark suit and white shirt he wore even in the 100-degree heat of Philadelphia. He can still figure in the conversations for the best World Cup manager of all, but victory in New York on Sunday could have rendered him the nonpareil.
"It was not important on a personal level if I leave in a semi-final or final," said Deschamps. In a sense, there was no false modesty; Deschamps has not made it about him, always designing his team around his players, not vice-versa. Yet when he reached the end, it was to a side built around a philosophy, a style of play, an identity. In a sense, Deschamps has seemed the ultimate international manager: because international football can be based around building an environment that players enjoy and decided by moments. Kylian Mbappe can be the best moments player in the world, France the best moments team: but there were no moments against Spain, who suffocated the French forwards and passed with intelligence. They were less reliant on the spectacular.
Until they reached Texas, Mbappe, Ousmane Dembele and Michael Olise had obliged; against Senegal, Iraq, Norway and Sweden, and then in a six-minute burst against Morocco. It illustrated that France possessed attacking talent of the highest quality in greater depth than anyone else. Olise was outstanding in the first four games, when France scored 13 goals; less so in the last three, when they got three. Dembele, after his 2022 World Cup ended so ignominiously, proved there were second acts in Deschamps' France, with five goals. Mbappe delivered in every match, except against Spain, before pointing the finger elsewhere in the aftermath of this comprehensive loss.
For much of his tenure, Deschamps was deemed a dullard; maybe unfairly, given his sides have scored four and three in World Cup finals. At the last, and even as France barely threatened the Spain goal, he may have perished by being too adventurous. The tournament began with an underlying question if he should bring in a third midfielder, sacrificing whichever of Desire Doue or Bradley Barcola started for more solidity, and with the ***** umption he would do it at the business end of the competition. If ever there was a time to do it, it was against Spain's pass masters. But Deschamps stuck with 4-2-3-1 and, too often, Spain manoeuvred their way around France in midfield. Deschamps' difficulties were

Manchester City midfielder Rodri has been one of the stars of this summer’s World Cup. The Ballon d’Or-winning midfielder has returned to his dominant best and has played a key role in Spain’s progression to the final of the 2026 World Cup. Spain booked their place in the final of the tournament with a dominant 2-0 win over tournament favourites France overnight. Rodri put in a masterful display in midfield to help Spain beat a powerful French outfit. In the process, Rodri’s performance against France was a reminder that Manchester City must extend his contract with the club.
The midfield battle loomed as the decisive factor in Spain’s World Cup semi-final against France. With Kylian Mbappe, Ousmane Dembélé, Bradley Barcola and Michael Olise starting for France, Aurélien Tchouaméni and Adrien Rabiot started in midfield for Didier Deschamps’ side. In midfield, Spain started Rodri and Fabiàn Ruiz in midfield with Dani Olmo also dropping into midfield.
Simply put, France were overmatched in midfield. A first-half penalty from Mikel Oyarzabal and a second-half strike from Pedro Porro would seal a 2-0 win for Spain. As would an outstanding performance from every Spanish player on the pitch. At the heart of it all was Rodri, who was absolutely brilliant in midfield.
Rodri was at his imperious best in last night’s World Cup semi-final. He dictated the tempo of last night’s match with support from Fabiàn Ruiz and his teammates. Manchester City’s midfield general covered the pitch exceptionally well, routinely snuffing out the threat of the French. Rodri’s ability to read the game and contain any danger was superb. In possession, Rodri was his composed self as the occasion never phased him.
Rodri’s performance last night was reminiscent of his best displays for Manchester City. He has rightly earned the plaudits that his performance deserved. If anything, Rodri’s display was a reminder that he remains by far and away the best number six in world football by some distance.

Everyone thought France would crush Spain. They were counting on Kylian Mbappe and that flashy attack to blow the doors off. Wrong. The reality on the pitch was a total shocker. Spain didn’t just match them; they outsmarted them completely. France’s big threats? Totally neutralized by a smarter, hungrier Spanish squad.
Spain showed the world something huge today. Luis de la Fuente called his squad the best team on the planet. His words carried weight after that dominant 2-0 victory. Think about that for a second. This win proves a collective unit can beat a group of individual stars. It’s not about who you have. It’s about how they play together.
The French lineup looked toothless despite the global superstars on the roster. They threw Rayan Cherki into the mix, but it made zero difference. Spain controlled the game from the first whistle to the last. Their strategy worked perfectly against a team full of famous names. And here’s the kicker: They didn’t even break a sweat doing it.
France hoped their stars would do the damage if Mbappe didn’t score. They looked to Ousmane Dembele, Michael Olise, and Bradley Barcola for goals. Desire Doue also played, but the French attack failed completely. Not great. They couldn’t find any way to break through the Spanish defense. It was a wall, plain and simple.
Patrick Vieira, a former World Cup winner for France, admitted the truth. He told ITV that Spain dominated the game in every single aspect. Spain circulated the ball with their usual composure throughout the match. They moved France around and opened gaps to exploit them easily. Classic misdirection. Vieira knows a thing or two about winning big.

ARLINGTON, TX – It has been nearly two years since France was held scoreless in any international competition, dating back to a 0-0 draw in November 2024 versus Israel in the UEFA Nations League.
Against Spain in the World Cup semifinals, though, just about everything went wrong for the championship favorites.
Les Bleus, led by a world-class attacking trio of Michael Olise, Kylian Mbappé – the Golden Boot leader – and Ousmane Dembélé, the reigning Ballon d’Or winner, did more than just fail to score in their 2-0 loss, they struggled to create scoring chances, in general. France created zero big chances, only had three shots on goal and finished the match with 0.30 expected goals.
REQUIRED READING: Mbappé went missing. Spain is the prime suspect | Opinion
Looking to avenge its 2022 World Cup loss to Argentina, France brought its worst game at the worst time.

After largely dominating the World Cup, France hit a wall in Tuesday's semifinal in a 2-0 loss to a Spain team that has allowed just a single goal in seven World Cup games.
Spain's defense locked up French stars Kylian Mbappé and Ousmane Dembélé while getting a goal in each half to advance to Sunday's final. Spain's first goal arrived via a borderline penalty in which Lamine Yamal drew contact in the box from Lucas Digne while he didn't have possession of the ball.
After the game, France coach Didier Deschamps was asked about the officiating, and he was clearly displeased with the decision.
"Now, I'm asking you, and I'm not going to answer it," Deschamps said, via translation from French. "I don't want to come across as a whiner because we lost, but did tonight's referee have the level to officiate a World Cup semifinal?
When asked a follow-up, Deschamps said that he wasn't just displeased with the critical first-half penalty.

Spain is still alive!
La Roja handled France 2-0 in the World Cup semifinals on Tuesday, July 14, boosting themselves into the final match and ending Kylian Mbappé and Ousmane Dembélé's run.
After Spain's eighth all-time win over Les Bleus in the World Cup, they will now play either England or Argentina in the final match on Sunday, July 19.
Mbappé still has a chance to capture the Golden Boot as France will face the loser of England vs. Argentina in the third place match on Saturday, July 18.
More: Mbappé went missing. Spain is the prime suspect | Opinion

ARLINGTON, TX — It finally happened in the 81st minute of a 90-minute match. The most fearsome attack in the world put a shot on target.
France manager Didier Deschamps had headaches selecting which of his top-class attackers to play, putting fearsome foursomes on the field spearheaded by Kylian Mbappé, spurred on by the creativity of Michael Olise and with Ballon d'Or winner Ousmane Dembélé on one wing.
They had smashed through teams, scoring six goals in three knockout matches on the way to Tuesday's semifinal.
Then, it met Spain.
The Désiré Doué shot from outside the box in the 81st and two shots by Dembélé from tight angles in the 96th and 97th minute as France desperately tried to break through were the only efforts they were able to put on Spain goalkeeper Unai Simon over the course of 90 minutes. Once again these teams met in a semifinal. Once again, France is out, with Spain winning 2-0 thanks to a goal on either side of halftime.

How to continue watching Kylian Mbappe, Ousmane Dembele, other France players after World Cup: Club teams and how to follow Les Bleus' stars originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
After 90 minutes in Dallas, it was France who bowed out of the 2026 World Cup in the semifinals. The 2018 winner and 2022 runner-up just missed out on revenge for their previous tournament finish, which means the French players are off to vacation and rejoin their clubs.
Nearly the entirety of the French roster will now scatter across the continent of Europe to get ready for their upcoming seasons in league play, including Kylian Mbappe, Ousmane Dembele, and Michael Olise.
That French attacking trio has evolved into one of the strongest attacking fronts throughout international soccer. The trifecta will have to wait a bit until their next chance at chasing an international trophy.
Now, success must be sought after at the club level.

They won the 2018 World Cup and finished runner-up in 2022 after an incredible final. But France will be coming to Miami to play for the bronze medal in the 2026 World Cup after a shocking loss in the semifinals.
Les Bleus were shut out by Spain 2-0 on Tuesday, July 14 at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas. A penalty on teenage star Lamine Yamal led to a Mikel Oyarzabal goal in the 22nd minute, with Pedro Porro adding a second-half goal. It would have been 3-0 if Spain's star 19-year-old had not been ruled offside a few minutes later.
The loss means Spain will play Sunday, July 19 for its second World Cup ***** le at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey. Meanwhile Kylian Mbappe, Ousmane Dembele and the star-studded team from France will head to South Florida to play for third place. They could face off against Lionel Messi again if defending champion Argentina lose to Harry Kane, Jude Bellingham and England in the other semifinal.
Shop for World Cup tickets in Miami
France has not made an appearance in Miami at this World Cup, though both of its potential opponents have. Argentina won a 3-2 thriller against tournament darling Cape Verde on July 3, while England beat Erling Haaland and Norway just a few days ago in the quarterfinals.

30’ — Injury substitution for France. William Saliba down with apparent non-contact injury. Maxence Lacroix on in in his stead.
23’ — GOOOOOAL! Spain strike! Mikel Oyarzabal makes no mistake from the spot. France in an early hole.
20’ — Penalty Spain! Lucas Digne receives in the box by heading it to himself, then turning around to whip it. Unfortunately he only catches Lamine Yamal and conceded an early penalty for Spain!
Lineups are out!
France: Maignan; Koundé – Upamecano – Saliba – Digne; Tchouaméni – Rabiot; Dembélé – Olise – Barcola; Mbappé

France and Spain will kick off proceedings for this year’s World Cup semi-finals in Dallas, as they face off for just the second time in the tournament’s history.
La Roja have conceded just one goal so far this tournament, which came in their quarter-final tie with Belgium when Charles De Ketelaere headed home late in the first half. However, they have only scored 11 goals, which is certainly fewer than most would have expected given the star power they possess in attack and the free-flowing football they adopt so well.
Meanwhile, France have been similarly strong at the back, conceding just two goals, albeit against weaker opposition, whilst still finding the net 16 times so far this campaign. Eight of those have come from Kylian Mbappé, who remains top of the scoring charts for the tournament, whilst the other eight have been shared amongst Ousmane Dembélé (5), Bradley Barcola (2) and Desiré Doué (1).
Didier Deschamps’ men will be looking to become just the third country in history to reach three consecutive World Cup finals, joining West Germany (1982, 1986 & 1990) and Brazil (1994, 1998 & 2002). Should they do so, then Mbappé could very well become the first person in history to score in three consecutive finals, having already done so against Croatia in 2018 and Argentina in 2022; he would also become on the second player to feature in three consecutive finals, following in the footsteps of Cafu.
Should Spain make the final, however, it will be the first time they have done so since winning it in 2010, which was their only other appearance at that stage of the competition. With England in the semi-final on the other side of the draw, there is, of course, a chance we see a repeat of the Euro 2024 final, which saw Spain run out 2-1 winners.

As we enter the business end of the 2026 World Cup with only four nations remaining, the first of the semi-final ties sees France take on Spain. Both powerhouses of the European game were rightfully amongst the bookies' favourites before the tournament got going.
France have been arguably the standard setters in the World Cup to date, blending defensive solidity with high-octane attacking football. Bayern Munich defender Dayot Upamecano has been one of their shining lights alongside William Saliba in the back four.
Moving into the middle third, former Borussia Mönchengladbach talent Manu Koné has deputised for Aurelien Tchouameni. Bayern Munich's Michael Olise continues to pull the strings from a central position, while ex-BVB star Ousmane Dembélé compliments Kylian Mbappé nicely.
Spain, by contrast, have been a fraction underwhelming in an attacking sense. Nonetheless, they continue to march forth with their strong defensive discipline proving to be the backbone of their success – they leaked their only goal to Belgium thus far.
Although their talisman Lamine Yamal has been quiet by his lofty standards, the winger showed signs of improvement in their quarter final success. Meanwhile, former Dortmund man Mikel Merino continues to deliver game-defining goals off the bench as of late.

France is through to the semifinals of the 2026 World Cup thanks to a 2-0 win over Morocco, and Michael Olise is once again the focus despite Kylian Mbappé and Ousmane Dembélé being the goalscorers. Football icons Thierry Henry and Zlatan Ibrahimović raved over Olise’s performance and likened him to former NFL quarterback Tom Brady:
Henry: I want to talk about the pass of Michael Olise. As soon as you get the ball, it’s over. We’re here in Foxborough… Tom Brady, that’s one of your loop passes in between.
Ibrahimović: He did amazing again. He was the point guard. The ‘Tom Brady of France’ today. When you have a player like Olise, don’t think. Just run and the ball will arrive – and it will arrive exactly where you want it.
– FOX Soccer as captured by X account iMiaSanMia
The 24-year-old Bayern Munich winger is the darling of the media for all the right reasons: his creativity and technique is on display for the world to see.

Tottenham Hotspur have fresh encouragement in the race for Eli Junior Kroupi, with Paris Saint-Germain now advancing on Ferran Torres after accepting their pursuit of the Bournemouth forward is fading. According to TeamTalk, the change in direction in Paris has opened a serious window for Spurs to press on with one of their priority attacking plans.
PSG had seen Kroupi as their standout option while seeking a replacement for Goncalo Ramos, who is edging towards AC Milan. Yet the French champions have now been told the young attacker is unwilling to join if it means taking a secondary role behind "the likes of Ousmane Dembele and the club's established attacking stars". That detail matters, because it speaks directly to what has been driving this situation from the start, regular football and a clear pathway.
With that in mind, PSG have moved quickly. TeamTalk reports that Ferran Torres has "now emerged as PSG's preferred alternative", with the Spain international making strong progress towards a switch from Barcelona. The report adds that Torres has "now agreed personal terms with PSG" and that talks between the clubs are moving forward. For Tottenham, that development could prove pivotal.
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There has already been a strong indication that Tottenham's interest in Kroupi is more than exploratory. The 20-year-old has been identified as one of the club's leading attacking targets, with the current regime continuing a major squad build. What stands out in this latest update is the suggestion that Kroupi finds the prospect of joining Tottenham "hugely appealing". In a market where elite young forwards can often wait on bigger names, that wording feels significant.

Much has already been written at this World Cup about the phenomenal numbers Kylian Mbappé has put up. What has been overlooked a bit, though, is that France’s other stars are delivering too. One of them is Ousmane Dembélé, drawing parallels to a legendary duo.
On the one hand, there is Mbappé with eight goals in the current tournament. That currently puts him joint top of the scoring charts alongside Lionel Messi. Not too far behind, in fifth place, is also Dembélé with five goals. Truly not a bad tally either.
'ESPN' shows just how rare it is for two attackers to produce like this at a World Cup.
The last duo to score five goals or more each at a World Cup were Brazilians Ronaldo and Rivaldo in 2002. The two Ballon d'Or winners of course also went on to lift the World Cup trophy that year.
Ronaldo finished the entire tournament with eight goals, while Rivaldo scored five times. So these are the same numbers currently posted by the two Frenchmen. The difference is that Mbappé and Dembélé will still have two more matches to improve their personal stats.

France underscored their status as the World Cup's team to beat on Thursday, overpowering African champions Morocco with a clinical 2-0 win to book their third consecutive semi-finals appearance.
Kylian Mbappe curled in his eighth goal of the tournament on 60 minutes before Ousmane Dembele doubled Les Bleus' lead six minutes later to complete a drama-free victory at the Gillette Stadium outside Boston.
The win sends the 2018 champions into the last four, where they will face either Spain or Belgium at the Dallas Cowboys' AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas next Tuesday.
"I think that is three consecutive semi-finals, so that's already a good thing. It seems logical and natural, but you still have to achieve it," France coach Didier Deschamps said.
"Obviously, I have great players, otherwise we wouldn't get there, but it's good."

FOXBORO — Thursday afternoon saw France close this World Cup chapter at Boston Stadium in grand style.
Kylian Mbappé and Ousmane Dembélé both netted brilliant goals in the second half while Morocco was swept aside. It was something approaching a sequel to the 2022 semifinal meeting between the two nations, one ultimately decided by the same score.
France departed under warm sunshine with a 2-0 quarterfinal victory and the crowd of 63,811 fans witnessed another argument as to why they now hold firm favorite status in this tournament. Dembélé’s hat trick against Norway during the group stages here offered a first piece of evidence and a return for the knockout rounds proved to be just another step.
“We are in our own bubble here — myself especially,” France manager Didier Deschamps said via translator. “I want to remain calm and collected. But the players have a duty to give everything on the pitch.
“At times, we’re not succeeding, but we have now taken another step today — again reaching the semifinals. And now we’re here.”

In this energetic live reaction episode of The Cooligans broadcasting straight from a venue in Boston, Christian Polanco and Alexis Guerreros deliver immediate ******* ysis following France’s clinical 2-0 victory over Morocco in the World Cup quarterfinals. The guys break down a complete, poised, and deeply unified French squad that currently looks a notch above tournament heavyweights like England and Argentina. They marvel at the incredible maturity and selfless play of Kylian Mbappé, whose dynamic run set up Ousmane Dembélé's fifth goal of the tournament to lock down the victory.
The hosts dive into the jaw-dropping stats surrounding this historic French team, noting that they are the first nation since Brazil in 2002 to feature two individual players with five or more goals in a single World Cup campaign. They contrast France's elite tactical output with a highly compact, lackluster performance from Morocco, placing a "stock down" tag on abysmal defensive outings from fullbacks Achraf Hakimi and Noussair Mazraoui. The conversation then shifts to the dramatic subplot of the Golden Boot race, where Mbappé and Lionel Messi sit tied at eight goals apiece following Argentina’s miraculous, highly controversial 3-2 comeback win against Egypt.
Finally, the guys look ahead to the next massive quarterfinal clash on the bracket: Spain versus Belgium. Christian and Alexis dissect Luis de la Fuente’s tactical setup for Spain, praising the standout tournament performances of Álex Baena and Mikel Oyarzábal, while ******* yzing whether Kevin De Bruyne can pull off a masterclass to keep Belgium's run alive. They close out the stream by taking fan comments from the live chat, discussing Nico González's viral post-match tattoo, and celebrating Swiss-Dominican hero Ruben Vargas.
Timestamps:
(00:00) — Live From Boston: Post-Match Reactions to France 2-0 Morocco