Luis de la Fuente’s side are expected to have more of the ball, building through short combinations and aggressive movement between the lines. Their pressing is just as important as their possession; after losing the ball, Spain try to win it back before opponents can launch their own attack.
Yamal is central to that plan. From the right, he can hold the width, isolate defenders and create the one-versus-one moments that force France to retreat. If Spain’s wide players stretch the pitch, their midfielders should find more room to dictate the tempo.
But control brings risk. A misplaced pass or an overcommitted full-back could leave space behind the press.
France may not object to Spain dominating territory. Their route forward is likely to begin with the first clean pass after a turnover.
Kylian Mbappe can attack the space behind Spain’s defence, while Ousmane Dembele offers pace, direct running and the ability to move inside. Michael Olise adds a different quality, linking midfield and attack and helping France change the point of the attack quickly.
That flexibility gives France options when Spain’s press arrives. The report describes Didier Deschamps’ side as less dependent on possession than their opponents, but capable of adapting when the match demands it.
The key question is simple: can Spain keep France from turning recovery moments into open-field attacks? If they can, their passing rhythm and pressing should keep France pinned back. If not, Mbappe, Dembele and Olise have the speed and invention to punish even brief lapses.
The opening phase will reveal the match’s direction. Spain’s patience against France’s first counter will be the next storyline to watch, with a place in the final at stake.