What is Spain's key tactical aim against France?

Control the midfield to deny Mbappe9 space, then overload the full-back channels to create chances and unsettle French centre-backs.

Which Spanish players are most important in this plan?

Rodri and Pedri for rhythm and control, Lamine Yamal for unpredictable wide impact, and lvaro Morata as the focal point to occupy defenders.

Can France still win if Spain control possession?

Yes — France remain dangerous on counter-attacks and set pieces, so Spain must convert possession into clear chances and manage transitions carefully.

How Spain Will Push France Off the Favourite Throne

France wear the favourite label because individual brilliance — Kylian Mbappé above all — and a settled spine give them explosive margin for error. But international tournaments are won where patterns clash: Spain's collective rhythm can blunt France's stars if Madrid-style patience meets Madrid-to-Munich aggression. The matchup is less about pedigree and more about who imposes tempo.

Spain's first requirement is midfield sovereignty. Rodri and Pedri must turn the center into a pressure chamber, forcing France to route play through their full-backs where Spain can overload and isolate. High defensive lines that push Mbappé wider, combined with diagonal runs from the number 10, will create the half-spaces France dread.

Tactically, Spain should marry possession with vertical intent: quick switches, controlled counters and set-piece ruthlessness. Lamine Yamal and Álvaro Morata give the manager the unpredictability to unsettle France's defending; Unai Simón's command of the box neutralises French aerial threat. Luis de la Fuente's substitutions — freshness in midfield and an extra forward who can pin centre-backs — will be decisive as the game stretches.

The Guru's forecast: do the basics exceptionally and the favourite tag falls away. Spain can beat France by taking midfield, denying Mbappé the starting blocks and converting one or two of the overloads on the flanks; a 2-1 win is both probable and earned if Spain maintain discipline and swap tempo at the right moments. My recommendation: start aggressive, manage the second half with tactical fouls and smart subs, and never let France control the rhythm.