Koné benched for France's World Cup semi-final against Spain
Squad News·14 July 2026·2h ago

Koné benched for France's World Cup semi-final against Spain

Source: Roma News

Manu Koné will start on the bench for France's World Cup semi-final against Spain at the AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Dallas, kicking off at 21:00 Italian time. The Roma midfielder impressed in France's quarter-final victory over Morocco but loses his starting place following the return of Aurélien Tchouaméni, who will partner Adrien Rabiot in midfield for the French coaching staff's opening lineup.

Koné's exclusion from the starting eleven does not diminish his tournament performance. The 2001-born midfielder has earned his place in a competitive France squad and remains a key option from the bench. His aggressive style, ability to disrupt opposing play, and ball-carrying skills may prove valuable as the match develops, particularly if France require greater intensity and ball recovery in the middle of the pitch against Spain's technical and dynamic midfield.

Koné will await his opportunity to contribute to France's push towards the World Cup final from the substitute bench.

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Story Coverage4 sources on this story

Roma midfielder Manu Koné will start on the bench when France face Spain in the World Cup semi-final at Dallas Stadium this evening, with kickoff at 21:00 Italian time. Head coach Didier Deschamps has recalled Real Madrid's Aurélien Tchouaméni to partner Adrien Rabiot in midfield for the match against the reigning European champions. Koné impressed during France's quarter-final victory over Morocco and has featured in four of France's six matches at the tournament, but loses his starting place to Tchouaméni's return from injury. According to Roma News, the omission does not reflect criticism of the 24-year-old's performances, and the midfielder remains a valuable option from the bench. His aggressive style and ball-carrying abilities could prove useful should France require greater midfield intensity as the match develops. The winner of tonight's semi-final will face either England or Argentina in the final on 19 July.

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Testo Originale / Source Text

Manu Koné non partirà dal primo minuto nella semifinale del Mondiale tra Francia e Spagna. Il centrocampista della Roma inizierà dalla panchina la sfida in programma alle ore 21 italiane all’AT&T Stadium di Arlington, nell’area metropolitana di Dallas. Il giocatore giallorosso aveva disputato…

Read the full article in Italian at Roma News.

Read original on Roma News

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