Hosts France are set for a heavyweight clash against Spain in the Olympics men's soccer semifinals at the Parc des Princes on August 9.
Thierry Henry's team overcame a 10-man Egypt, beating them 3-1 after extra time in the semifinals to secure a place in the grand finale. Jean-Philippe Mateta powered the home team to victory with a brace.
On Friday, France will contest in their third Olympics final and their first since in 40 years. At the 1984 Olympics in Los Angeles, they had defeated Brazil to win their only gold medal in the men's soccer competition at the Summer Games.
Meanwhile, Spain scored a dramatic 2-1 win over Morocco on Monday to progress into the final. Having already captured the Euro 2024 title last month, Spain is hoping to add an Olympic gold to their summer collection. While Spain won the silver medal at the deferred 2020 Tokyo Games, their last Olympic gold came at the home games at 1992 Barcelona.
Spain have an edge in their head-to-head-record: of the 37 matches between the two teams, Spain have won 17, France 14 while seven matches have ended in a draw.
The Sporting News looks at the key details ahead of this game, including how to watch the match, kickoff times and the latest lineup news.
France vs. Spain live stream, TV channel
Here's how to watch this Olympics match in the U.S.:
TV channel: USA Network, Telemundo
Live stream: Fubo, Peacock, NBC Sports app/website
In the United States, this game is available for live broadcast on TV in English on NBC's USA Network. Live streaming options are available on Fubo, which offers a FREE trial to new subscribers and Peacock.
A Spanish language option is available via Telemundo, which is also an option to stream on Fubo.
What time does France vs. Spain kick off?
This 2024 Olympics final clash takes place at the Parc des Princes in Paris, France and kicks off on Friday, August 9 at 06:00 p.m. local time.
Here's how that time translates across the U.S.:
| Date | Kickoff time | |
| Eastern Time | Fri, Aug.9 | 12:00 p.m. |
| Central Time | Fri, Aug.9 | 11:00 p.m. |
| Mountain Time | Fri, Aug.9 | 10:00 a.m. |
| Pacific Time | Fri, Aug.9 | 09:00 a.m. |
France vs. Spain lineups, team news
Manu Kone and Enzo Millot, who were serving suspension during the semifinal clash against Egypt, are likely to return to the playing XI. There are no fresh injury concerns for the home team.
France predicted XI (4-3-1-2, right to left): Restes (GK) — Sildillia, Bade, Lukeba, Truffert — Millot, Kone, Chotard — Olise — Lacazette, Mateta.
Spain will once again rely on Fermin Lopez, who starred for them at 2024 Euro, to pull the strings from the midfield. Defender Eric Garcia will be playing his second Olympics final and is hoping Spain bury the ghosts of Tokyo 2020, when they lost the gold to Brazil.
Spain XI (4-2-3-1 right to left): Tenas(GK) — Pubill, Cubarsi, Garcia, Miranda — Barrios, Baena — Oroz, F. Lopez, Gomez — Ruiz
France vs. Spain prediction
France have been one of the most disciplined sides at the 2024 Olympics, having conceded just one goal in the competition so far, while scoring 11. Thierry Henry's men haven't lost a single match at the 2024 Olympics. The home team, that is bound walk out to a packed, partisan crowd, will look to add to the French gold rush in Paris.
Even though Spain lost to Egypt in the group stage, they have picked up momentum at the right time. They have some big talents in their ranks and will test the French prowess.
With the two European heavyweights clashing, it promises to be a thriller.
Prediction: France 1-0 Spain
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