France vs Spain - World Cup

All eyes turn to the home ground on July 14, 2026 as France welcome Spain in a World Cup encounter that promises tension, intrigue and no shortage of subplot. O'Neill made five changes for Celtic's midweek win at St Johnstone as he rested some key players ahead of Sunday's clash.

Both camps will view the World Cup meeting at the home ground as an opportunity to put a marker down, regardless of where they currently stand. The hosts will hope that the the home ground crowd can inspire a performance, whatever the numbers suggest. Spain will travel with intent, knowing that a positive result here could kick-start their campaign. That result ended the European giants' 14-game unbeaten run in the competition, as Fede Valverde, Eduardo Camavinga and Jude Bellingham were contained by an "incredible" performance from a player barely anyone outside of France had heard of.

How the two sides approach the contest strategically will be key. France will want to control proceedings in front of their own supporters, while Spain will back themselves to cause problems on the break. His passing display at the World Cup was yet more evidence of his suitability for City and the possession-heavy style Maresca favours.

Game-changers are scattered across both line-ups, and the contest may well be decided by which side's match-winners deliver on the day. Whoever wins the individual duel between the two sides' chief playmakers is likely to dictate the rhythm and, ultimately, the destination of the points. City goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma, though, would have been disappointed with the goal after being beaten at his near post.

Predicting an outright winner is no easy task given how little separates the two sides on paper. A share of the spoils looks the most probable outcome, with neither side holding a decisive edge — a 1-1 draw feels like a fitting result. Whatever the outcome, the World Cup fixture promises a meaningful contest with real implications for both clubs. Important qualities given that Bournemouth will expect him to be proactive.