Sports betting expert backs high-scoring France-Spain World Cup semifinal

France and Spain are set to contest the 2026 World Cup semifinal on Tuesday, July 14, at Dallas Stadium, with kickoff scheduled for 3 p.m. ET. The match brings together two European heavyweights who have navigated the tournament with distinct but dominant trajectories. France have won every match in the competition, while Spain remain unbeaten, having drawn only against Cape Verde in their opening fixture.

The encounter marks a significant reunion for both squads, who previously met in the semifinals of the 2024 European Championships, a contest Spain won 2-1. That historical context adds weight to the current fixture, where both teams enter as formidable opponents. France have established themselves as the tournament’s leading scorers with 16 goals, while Spain have demonstrated resilience, keeping a clean sheet through the Round of 16 before conceding once in their quarterfinal victory over Belgium.

SportsLine expert Martin Green, a professional sports writer and handicapper, has analysed the matchup and recommended betting on the over 2.5 total goals. Green is currently on a 19-7 winning streak with his World Cup selections, a run that includes a +1008 return. His recent profitability extends to European club competitions, where he posted a +211.25 return in the Champions League and +100 in the Bundesliga last year.

Green’s prediction for a high-scoring affair is underpinned by the attacking prowess of both sides. France are led by Kylian Mbappé, who has scored eight goals in the tournament, averaging a goal every 65 minutes. He has also scored twice in three professional matches against Spain. Green noted that it would be difficult for Spain to contain France’s offensive lineup, which includes Ousmane Dembélé, Michael Olise, Désiré Doué, and Bradley Barcola.

Spain’s offensive capability is also highlighted by their recent form, including a 5-4 victory over France in June 2025, which featured nine total goals. Spain are averaging nearly two goals per game in this tournament, and Green believes they possess the quality to unlock the French defence. The over 2.5 total goals is available at -106 at FanDuel Sportsbook.

In terms of match outcome odds, France are listed at +135 on the 90-minute money line, with Spain at +220 and a draw at +210. France are -136 favourites to advance to the final, while Spain are priced at +118. The winner of this Dallas fixture will progress to the World Cup final, scheduled for Sunday in New York.

The other semifinal will feature Argentina against England in Atlanta on Wednesday. All matches in the 2026 World Cup have been accessible to UK audiences via free-to-air television, with coverage shared between the BBC, ITV, and STV in Scotland, despite the logistical challenges of early morning kick-offs for European viewers.