The French national team is preparing for a completely different encounter against Spain in the semi-finals of the 2026 World Cup compared to the match that brought them together at the same stage of Euro 2024, as preparations this time seem centered on major changes in the ranks of Les Bleus.

The match in Munich during Euro 2024 saw a shift in the balance of power. While France had reached the finals of the previous two World Cups and won the 2018 title, La Roja succeeded in winning 2-1 thanks to a brace from Lamine Yamal and Dani Olmo. From that match, the era of Spanish dominance began, and in contrast, that defeat opened the door for a comprehensive rebuilding process in France that took about 20 months to bear fruit.

After that match, star Kylian Mbappé acknowledged Spanish superiority, saying: 'They played well, and we were not at the required level. They outclassed us. They reached the final, and we went out, and that is the reality of football. We have to move on.'

Meanwhile, coach Didier Deschamps took responsibility at the time, saying: 'The responsibility rests with me. We reached the semi-finals and faced a Spanish team of this quality. We needed to give our best, but we were slightly below that level. I will not look for excuses.'

The new cycle of the French team began by relying on Olympic pillars who shone under coach Thierry Henry at the Paris Olympics, such as Manu Koné, Désiré Doué, and Michael Olise, who won the silver medal after a thrilling loss to Spain 3-5 after extra time. With the gradual departure of prominent stars like Antoine Griezmann, Olivier Giroud, Benjamin Pavard, and Kingsley Coman, Deschamps launched a renewal phase with a tactical switch from a 4-3-3 formation to a more attack-minded 4-2-3-1, giving Olise a pivotal role after his move to Bayern Munich and acquiring the required resilience.

Deschamps spoke about Olise's development: 'The move to Bayern helped him gain more toughness. He needed some time to adapt. He is shy and somewhat reserved, and perhaps that is partly due to the language barrier. He feels more comfortable speaking English than French, although he is making an effort to improve his French. Everyone has their own nature. What matters is what he can deliver on the pitch; he is not the type to seek the spotlight.'

The first signs of the new French team appeared during the match against Spain in the semi-finals of the UEFA Nations League in June 2025. Despite a 4-5 loss, Les Bleus showed a different attacking face through possession and pressing, relying on a fearsome quartet of Ousmane Dembélé, Olise, Doué behind Mbappé—the same attacking line expected to start Tuesday's match at the Dallas Stadium.

Deschamps commented on that experience: 'There were many positives. Not everything was bad, especially during the first 20 minutes, when we controlled the game very well. We created many chances, more than our opponent, but they were more effective during two 10-minute periods when our level dropped. Despite the result, we stuck to our game plan. I have a young team, and this experience will benefit us greatly.'

France entered the World Cup with greater maturity and clear defensive balance, conceding only one goal in the last five matches. The winning mentality brought by Paris Saint-Germain duo Doué and Dembélé, along with Olise's huge physical effort and Mbappé's constant pressing, gave the team a strong blend of collective calm and tactical flexibility, which was evident in overcoming Paraguay in the round of 16 and Morocco in the quarter-finals with great system and patience, leaving France ready to reclaim their superiority against Spain.