Mbappe cleared fit as France coach plays mind games before semifinal vs Spain

FIFA World Cup: Kylian Mbappe has been declared fully fit to lead France, but manager Didier Deschamps wasted no time playing mind games by labeling Spain the clear favourites ahead of their blockbuster semifinal in Dallas.

In Short

• Deschamps tried to ease pressure by praising Spain's balance and form
• France have not conceded in knockout rounds during their disciplined run
• The two teams meet in the first semifinal in Dallas on Tuesday night

Didier Deschamps wasted no time shifting the psychological burden onto his opponents ahead of France's FIFA World Cup semi-final against Spain at AT&T Stadium. The France manager laid his cards on the table during Monday's pre-match press conference, eagerly handing the "favourites" tag to La Roja despite managing the world's top-ranked side.

"I can confirm Spain are the favorites," Deschamps told reporters, kicking off his trademark pre-match mind games. "I don't want to put pressure on Luis de la Fuente and his team, because he knows people have high expectations for Spain. They know how to attack and defend very well, conceding only one goal in seven matches."

While Deschamps sought to unburden his squad from external expectations, his most significant tactical boost came in the fitness room. France captain Kylian Mbappe, who caused concern after being substituted during the quarter-final win, has been given a clean bill of health to lead the line on Tuesday.

"Kylian is doing well. He is at 100 per cent," Deschamps said.

"We can't go beyond 100. He is at 100 per cent."

The news provides immense relief for Les Bleus, who are managing a few remaining squad niggles. Midfielder Aurlien Tchouameni, who sat out the 2-0 quarter-final triumph over Morocco with a hamstring strain, remains short of peak fitness but has been cleared to feature in the matchday squad.

EXPECT A SPECTACLE: DESCHAMPS

France has been the most explosive attacking side in the competition. Led by a relentless Kylian Mbapp, Les Bleus have lit up the tournament with a staggering 16 goals across their six games. Far from playing a cagey, safety-first brand of football, the world's number-one-ranked side has systematically dismantled opponents with high-intensity, free-flowing attacking sequences.

In sharp contrast, Spain's march to the semi-final under Luis de la Fuente has been built on an absolute defensive masterclass. Aside from a opening day goalless draw against minnows Cape Verde, La Roja have choked the life out of opposition attacks, conceding just one single goal in their entire World Cup campaign.

Yet, Deschamps insisted that the clash in Texas would not be a sterile, cagey affair.

"It could be a spectacular game, featuring two teams with great attacking quality," the France boss added.

"Both sides focus on defending well, but given the attacking quality of both teams, one has to expect a spectacular match."

The fixture carries immense historical weight, serving as a rematch of the Euro 2024 semi-final. On that night in Munich, Spain recovered from an early goal to defeat France 2-1 before going on to lift the trophy. Armed with a fully fit Mbappe and a carefully laid psychological trap, Deschamps will be hoping history does not repeat itself in Dallas.

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