France secured their spot in the semifinals with a 2-0 victory over Morocco. Spain, while performing better, faced a challenge against Belgium. Luis de la Fuente's squad took the lead through Fabian Ruiz, but Charles De Ketelaere equalized with a header. It wasn't until the 88th minute, when substitute Mikel Merino scored a close-range rebound, that Spain sealed a 2-1 win.

Kylian Mbappe celebrates France's opening goal in the 2026 World Cup quarter-final against Morocco at Gillette Stadium in Foxborough, Massachusetts, USA on 9/7. *Photo: AP*

The two teams first met in 1922, with Spain securing a 4-0 victory over hosts France. Following World War II, as football in both nations developed, their encounters became competitive.

Spain initially held the upper hand, but the balance shifted towards France after their Euro 1984 championship win, where they defeated Spain in the final. In recent years, the rivalry has intensified, especially after France's 2-1 victory in the 2021 UEFA Nations League final.

Across all competitions, Spain has an edge with 18 wins compared to France's 13. However, in official matches, France boasts a better record with six victories, two more than Spain.

The connection between the two footballing nations is evident through players who have either played or developed in the neighboring country. Antoine Griezmann, Karim Benzema, Raphael Varane, Ousmane Dembele, and Aurelien Tchouameni all spent years playing for La Liga clubs. Conversely, defenders Aymeric Laporte and Robin Le Normand, both born in France, acquired Spanish nationality to represent Spain.

Hong Duy