France and Spain renew one of international football's fiercest rivalries on Tuesday when they meet in a blockbuster 2026 FIFA World Cup semi-final.
Les Bleus are chasing a place in a third consecutive World Cup final, while Spain are aiming to build on their UEFA Euro 2024 triumph by lifting football's biggest prize.
Before another chapter is written, here are five unforgettable meetings between the European heavyweights.
Euro 1984 Final: France 2-0 Spain
France claimed their first-ever major international title by defeating Spain in the 1984 European Championship final at the Parc des Princes.
Michel Platini broke the deadlock just before the hour with a free-kick that slipped through the grasp of Spain goalkeeper Luis Arconada in one of the most infamous goalkeeping errors in tournament history.
The strike was Platini's remarkable ninth goal in just five matches at the finals. Despite Yvon Le Roux's late dismissal, Bruno Bellone wrapped up victory as France lifted the European Championship.
Spain would have to wait until Euro 2008 to reach another major tournament final.
2006 FIFA World Cup Last 16: Spain 1-3 France
The nations' only previous World Cup meeting before 2026 came in the last 16 of the 2006 tournament in Germany.
Spain arrived full of confidence after winning all three group matches, while France scraped through as runners-up after draws with Switzerland and South Korea.
David Villa's early penalty put Spain ahead, but Franck Ribery equalised before the break. Patrick Vieira completed the turnaround before Zinedine Zidane produced a trademark late finish to seal France's victory.
France went on to reach the final, where they lost to Italy on penalties. Spain responded to their disappointment by beginning a golden era that included Euro 2008, the 2010 World Cup and Euro 2012.
2021 UEFA Nations League Final: Spain 1-2 France
France edged Spain in the 2021 UEFA Nations League final in Milan to secure Didier Deschamps' second trophy as national team coach.
Mikel Oyarzabal gave Spain the lead shortly after halftime, but Karim Benzema levelled the score after an assist from Kylian Mbappe, who then netted the decisive goal.
The victory followed France's success at the 2018 FIFA World Cup.
UEFA Euro 2024 Semi-Final: Spain 2-1 France
Spain booked their place in the Euro 2024 final with a comeback victory over France in Munich.
Randal Kolo Muani gave France an early lead, becoming the first French player to score from open play at the tournament.
Spain responded in spectacular fashion as Lamine Yamal curled in a stunning long-range effort just four days before his 17th birthday. Dani Olmo completed the turnaround moments later, before Spain went on to defeat England in the final.
2025 UEFA Nations League Semi-Final: Spain 5-4 France
The most recent meeting between the sides produced one of the greatest Nations League matches ever played.
Spain stormed into a 4-0 lead through Nico Williams, Mikel Merino, Lamine Yamal from the penalty spot and Pedri.
Kylian Mbappe pulled one back from the spot, but Yamal restored Spain's four-goal cushion with his second of the night. France then launched a dramatic late comeback as Rayan Cherki, a Dani Vivian own goal, and Randal Kolo Muani reduced the deficit to 5-4.
Spain eventually lost the final to Portugal on penalties.
The two countries also served up another thriller in the 2024 Olympic Games gold medal match, where Spain won 5-3 after extra time. Players including Manu Kone, Michael Olise, Jean-Philippe Mateta, Desire Doue, Rayan Cherki, Pau Cubarsi and Alex Baena featured in that contest and could all play a part again on Tuesday.
