Goals from Michael Olise and Ousmane Dembele in Paris brought the aggregate score level, and in the resulting penalty shootout, Mike Maignan made a crucial save before Dayot Upamecano buried the winner to seal a 5-4 triumph.
Ranked third in the world by FIFA, France have come agonizingly close in recent major tournaments, falling short in the 2022 World Cup final and bowing out in the Euro 2024 semifinals.
They are now targeting their first piece of silverware since lifting the Nations League trophy in 2021—ironically, by beating Spain in the final.
Head coach Didier Deschamps, who has led France for nearly 13 years with 106 wins from 167 matches (63.47% win rate), is determined to end his reign on a high before stepping down after the 2026 World Cup.
Defeating Spain won’t be easy, though. In their last five encounters with La Roja, France have won three and lost two—with four of those matches decided by just one goal, including their 2-1 victory in the 2021 Nations League final.
Spain will once again be without Ballon d’Or winner Rodri, who is regaining fitness with Manchester City ahead of the FIFA Club World Cup.
Barcelona forward Ferran Torres is also sidelined after undergoing an appendectomy late last month.
In-form Real Betis playmaker Isco could make his first national team appearance since 2019, while Gavi returns to the senior squad for the first time since suffering a cruciate ligament injury in 2023.
The Barcelona starlet will compete for a midfield spot alongside club teammate Pedri, Real Sociedad’s Martin Zubimendi, and PSG’s Champions League winner Fabian Ruiz.
Teenage center-back Pau Cubarsí is back in the squad after missing the last international break due to injury and is in line to challenge Real Madrid's new signing Dean Huijsen for a starting role.
Up front, Yamal, Dani Olmo, and Nico Williams are likely to support Mikel Oyarzabal in attack.
For France, seven players were involved in the Champions League final—including Man of the Match Désiré Doué and Ballon d'Or contender Dembele—which could influence Deschamps' team selection.
With Upamecano, William Saliba, and Jules Kounde all sidelined through injury, Benjamin Pavard and Malo Gusto are expected to compete for the right-back slot.
On the left of central defense, Deschamps may turn to Lucas Hernandez, Clement Lenglet, or uncapped Loïc Badé to partner Ibrahima Konaté.
Captain Kylian Mbappé—just two goals shy of 50 for his country—is expected to lead the line once again. Meanwhile, Lyon’s Rayan Cherki, linked with Manchester City, is eyeing his senior debut after a stellar 2024–25 season.
