talkSPORT tips – Bet builder and expert advice for Spain vs France

Jul 14, 2026 - 10:00
talkSPORT tips – Bet builder and expert advice for Spain vs France

France and Spain kick off the World Cup semi-finals when they meet in a hugely anticipated encounter at the Dallas Stadium.

The eyes of the world will be on two of the best teams and the pressure will be on each nation to eventually deliver another World Cup success.

We have a four-leg bet builder for the opening World Cup semi-final, which pays out at odds of 17/1.

Treble your returns + £20 in free bets

France v Spain Bet Builder

  • Mikel Oyarzabal to score anytime
  • Both teams to score
  • France under 1.5 goals
  • Kylian Mbappe to score anytime

Pays 17/1 Add to your betslip HERE

Oyarzabal out to continue fine World Cup

France boast global superstars with the likes of Kylian Mbappe, Ousmane Dembele and Michael Olise, but Spain have been hugely impressive, given no Real Madrid players are in their squad.

Plenty of the reigning European champions’ squad are now only getting the credit they deserve, including the one who has led the line brilliantly – Real Sociedad’s frontman Mikel Oyarzabal.

The 29-year-old, who scored the late winner in Spain’s Euro 2024 final triumph over England, has enjoyed a stellar World Cup campaign, with four goals and an assist.

That has come off the back of Oyarzabal’s best scoring season for Sociedad, in which he notched 15 goals in all competitions.

Given Spain are likely to try and strike on the counter, just like they did when beating France in the Euros two years ago, Oyarzabal’s goalscoring prowess is set to be crucial to how they fare on Tuesday.

Take a chance that he could once again shine when it really matters.

Leg 1: Mikel Oyarzabal to score anytime

Trappy and tight, but chances will be taken

Spain’s best chance of succeeding will be trying to nullify the huge attacking threat France poses as best as possible, but that is far easier said than done.

As well as scoring in every game this tournament, France have scored three or more goals in four of their six World Cup matches so far.

Realistically, they should have notched three in their quarter-final win against Morocco after Mbappe shockingly missed a first-half penalty.

Spain also showed a first real sign of defensive vulnerability when conceding for the first time this tournament against Belgium in their quarter-final, and France’s attack is unsurprisingly more powerful than what they offered.

However, before then, Spain’s defence had been watertight and a strong Portugal side could only muster two shots on target against them in the round of 16.

While both teams should score, goals will not be leaked, and France being restricted is a real possibility.

Leg 2: Both teams to score

Leg 3: France under 1.5 goals

Mbappe: France’s final hope

Mbappe has undoubtedly been Les Bleus’ star in their quest for a third World Cup and eight goals this tournament have him in pole position to win the Golden Boot.

He has failed to score in just one World Cup game this tournament and has scored four times in the knockout stages.

Mbappe avenged his penalty miss early on against Morocco with a stunning goal and an assist to boot.

While he is not carrying the French team on his own, his goal threat is obviously crucial. Being their penalty taker as well, Mbappe is strongly fancied to be his country’s goalscorer again.

Leg 4: Kylian Mbappe to score anytime

Treble your returns + £20 in free bets

Odds correct at time of publish and subject to change.

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