Adwaidh Rajan
BBC Sport

With two of Europe's strongest squads going up against each other, this fixture has all the ingredients for becoming a World Cup classic.

Kylian Mbappe dominated the headlines again as France beat Morocco 2-0 to reach the semi-finals, taking his tally to eight goals for the tournament and moving just one behind Lionel Messi in the race to become the World Cup's all-time top scorer.

But France's biggest strength is their quality across the pitch, with Ousmane Dembele sealing the quarter-final victory and taking his own tally to five goals. Michael Olise has provided the creative spark for Didier Deschamps' side and leads the competition with five assists.

That depth could prove vital for the two-time winners against a Spain side, who beat them 2-1 in the semi-finals on their way to winning the Euros in 2024.

There is a sense that Spain's best football is yet to come. Their star attraction Lamine Yamal is yet to truly announce himself at the World Cup. The Barcelona winger has scored only once - against Saudi Arabia in the group stage.

Four-goal Mikel Oyarzabal has blanked in the past two matches, so Luis de la Fuente's side have needed late intervention from substitute Mikel Merino to edge past both Portugal and Belgium in the knockout rounds.

Looking to add to their 2010 triumph, Spain would hope Yamal, who will turn 19 on the eve of the tie, picks the semi-final to deliver a performance that justifies his talent.

Gary Rose
BBC Sport journalist

Spain have been brilliant in defence, with Belgium's goal the first they have conceded at this World Cup.

But that backline will be really put to test against a free-scoring Kylian Mbappe-led France.

It means Lamine Yamal and the rest of the Spain attack is also going to need to be at their best to alleviate the pressure on those at the back

"I think we have not seen the best from the attacking players in terms of fluidity and making the right decision," ex-Spain defender Cesar Azpilicueta said.

"What gives me confidence is Spain control the game and recover the ball quite quickly. You don't see them at any point collapse and not knowing what to do.

"It is true that his [Lamine Yamal's] game has not transferred into goals or assists, but he is very influential in Spain's game.

"He wants to create the difference. He is always moving, so I think he has more to give to the team and now is the right time."

Spain

Spain forward Mikel Oyarzabal speaking pre-match: "We try to do that [switch off], because we are accustomed to being in these situations it helps us to relax a bit more and be away from the spotlight. We know how important the game is and we give it that respect, but everybody just tries to be in their own world and prepare the best way possible.

"On an individual level I think there is very little we don't already know about them, as a group we will try to minimise their impact as much as we can and not give them much space.

"In open play and with a lot of space in front of them they are distinctive players that can create many dangers. We will try to take control, try to dominate possession and make them chase it."

Frank Leboeuf
World Cup winner with France in 1998 on BBC Radio 5 Live

Spain for the last two years have been exceptional. I think it was right to consider them as favourites before the start of the competition, but after seeing the French national team, you can change your perspective about that and put them as the real favourites.

How France have managed every game, how they have performed every game in comparison to Spain, who I thought were hesitating in their decisions and maybe being too slow with their positioning.

Matt Jones
BBC Sport journalist

Only Argentina, with 17, can better France’s goal haul of 16 – the Albiceleste have played two periods of extra time too – at the World Cup, while Spain have conceded a tournament best one goal across their six matches so far.

In the quarter-final, Belgium became the first team to beat Spain goalkeeper Unai Simon at the tournament. Their defensive numbers remain exceptional though.

La Roja have conceded the lowest average xG of any side at the World Cup and even six games into the competition, they rank highly in pressing metrics too.

They rank third for passes per defensive action, which shows how many passes in the defensive zone the opponent can make on average per challenge.

It will be fascinating to see how France go about unpicking the defence. Spain have averaged more possession than any side in the competition at this stage, but that could suit France’s direct style. Didier Deschamps’s side have averaged more fast breaks per 90, with 2.17, than any team at the World Cup.

Neil Johnston
BBC Sport at Dallas Stadium

There's a lot of love for France in this part of the world. Les Bleus have brought fun and energy to this World Cup - and scored goals galore.

Sixteen goals in six matches, in-form forwards and a defence that has not conceded for more than five hours.

Talking of love, Spain boss Luis de la Fuente tapped into his softer side during his pre-match news conference on Monday.

Ahead of one of the biggest games of his coaching career, De La Fuente said: "I am very romantic, I like listening to [Spanish singer-songwriter] Julio Iglesias."

My mum loves his music as well!

Image source, BBC Sport

BBC Two

Unable to catch the game live and wanting to re-live all of the action? Fear not, we've got you covered.

You can watch a full re-run of tonight's first semi-final between France and Spain live on BBC Two and BBC iPlayer from 01:40 BST.

Gary Rose
BBC Sport journalist

For almost any side looking to be successful they need match winners throughout the team - and Spain are proving they have them as Mikel Merino delivered in his role as super sub once again to send the European champions into the World Cup semi-finals.

The Arsenal midfielder stepped off the bench for the second successive game to score the decisive goal - this time securing a 2-1 victory against Belgium in the quarter-finals.

The win means Spain are into last four of the tournament for only the second time. The last time they made it there - in 2010 - they went on to lift the trophy.

Merino's latest heroics have set up a meeting with France for a place in the final and also a mouthwatering showdown between Kylian Mbappe and Lamine Yamal, who - by contrast to the Frenchman - is yet to make his mark at this World Cup.

Just being a part of Spain's World Cup squad was something Merino could not envisage just a few months ago.

In January, he suffered an unusual injury to his foot - a stress fracture in an area even specialists had not seen before. It not only ruled Merino out of action for Arsenal but also left his World Cup hopes in huge doubt as he was unable to return to action for the Gunners until just a month before the tournament got under way.

Not only did Merino return and earn his place in the Spain squad but he is proving an invaluable player in their run to the last four.

The last time France and Spain went head-to-head at the World Cup was in 2006.

Spain had a strong core of rising stars such as David Villa, Andres Iniesta and Cesc Fabregas, but they were beaten by a French old guard led by a 34-year-old Zinedine Zidane.

Les Bleus ran out 3-1 winners thanks to goals from Zidane, Patrick Vieira and Franck Ribery.

Have a watch below.

Chris Sutton
Former England forward on BBC Radio 5 Live at Dallas Stadium

Maybe Lamine Yamal will have a big say in proceedings. He came into the tournament with a bit of an injury, and he was nursed through in the opening games.

He played 90 minutes in the last couple of games, but maybe today is the day when he comes to the party.

Spain will be hoping that he turns up. It is a difficult game to call because Spain will dominate the ball, but then you just think of France, the speed they have on the counter-attack, it is hard to see them go out.

There will be a lot of goals, but I am often wrong.

Spain

Spain assistant manager Juanjo González speaking pre-match: "It takes all 26 [players], we are going to need everyone. We have to start the game strong and end it well too. We have been doing this throughout the whole tournament and it is absolutely vital to have the ability to strengthen off the bench. The players that finish off games are all eager to help and solve problems, and I hope that will happen again today."

On pitting the tournament's best defence against the likes of Mbappe and Olise: "Clearly we are coming up against a top team. It is their third consecutive World Cup semi-final, and these things are not gifted to you. We're going to find out the strength that they have, both collectively and individually, but we will meet that with our strengths. I hope that our collective efforts overcome theirs, that is the level we intend to reach."

Frank Leboeuf
World Cup winner with France in 1998 on BBC Radio 5 Live

Everyone who is saying: 'It is going to be an open game, and it is going to be great.' I don't think so.

Luis de la Fuente and Didier Deschamps know the strengths of the team they're playing against, so they will have to be cautious.

I don't think Aurelien Tchouameni or Adrien Rabiot is going to go forward to help the four upfront.

Neil Johnston
BBC Sport at Dallas Stadium

There's a strong link between France and Arsenal thanks to the likes of William Saliba, Olivier Giroud, Robert Pires, William Gallas and Gael Clichy.

And, of course, Thierry Henry, one of the all-time greats.

Five thousand miles away from Emirates Stadium, there are Arsenal 'Henry' shirts on show at Dallas Stadium for this semi-final.

Image source, BBC Sport

Andy Cryer
BBC Sport senior journalist

Abdoul-Karim, French journalist for TV5 Monde: "We don't know what to expect from Spain and especially Lamine Yamal because he has disappointed a little bit at the start of the competition, but still he can wake up against France. But there is a lot of confidence in France. This time there is no controversy or debate hanging over the team. It has been quite smooth compared to previous major tournaments.

"The whole of France will stop to watch this semi-final. Tuesday is Bastille Day and in some cities they have decided to postpone some fireworks. The fireworks will happen after the game, when the whole of France hopes to be celebrating a place in another World Cup final."

France fans in the United States:

Rachel: "This is the best France team I have ever seen. We should win the World Cup because we are the best but we know it is not definite. Spain are dangerous and I expect England in the final."

Gerard: "Of course we will win the World Cup. Have you not seen us? The best by a long way."

Frank Leboeuf
World Cup winner with France in 1998 on BBC Radio 5 Live

I see talent, skill, maturity, and greatness. Michael Olise has everything.

He sees everything before he receives the ball, and that's why it seems to be easier for him.

On top of that, because he is so skilful, he is so easy with the ball and everything seems to be so nice.

It is unbelievable. That guy is a masterpiece.

One man who has thrived in the World Cup spotlight so far is France midfielder Michael Olise.

Born and raised in England, the Bayern Munich man has had a unique rise to top.

Watch Michael Olise: Origins now on BBC iPlayer

While Kylian Mbappe has taken most of the headlines for France, Michael Olise's creative output in midfield has proved equally as important.

He tops the assist charts with five, and needs just one more to equal Pele's record for most assists at a men’s World Cup (six).

BBC Bitesize

Image source, Getty Images

Sweaty palms. A pounding heart. The ball resting on the spot. Few moments in sport carry more pressure than a penalty.

If neither team can find an advantage in normal time or extra-time, then we will see some penalties at the Dallas Stadium.

Football's ultimate test of nerve. Carrying the hopes of a nation. Heroes are made. Dreams are shattered.

Yet before penalties existed, they were simply an idea dreamed up by a goalkeeper from County Armagh, Northern Ireland.

His name: William McCrum.

Read more on McCrum here