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Koné Benched for France Semifinal Clash
14 Jul
Summary
- Kouadio Koné starts on the bench against Spain in the semifinal.
- Aurélien Tchouaméni replaces Koné in the starting lineup.
- Koné is not injured and available as a substitute.
France squares off against Spain in a highly anticipated 2026 World Cup semifinal match. Head coach Didier Deschamps has made a significant tactical decision, benching midfielder Kouadio 'Manu' Koné for the critical encounter.
Koné, a consistent starter in four of France's six tournament games, including the quarterfinal against Morocco, will begin this pivotal match on the bench. His omission has sparked discussion among fans who have admired his performances.
Aurélien Tchouaméni, the team's initial first-choice defensive midfielder, returns to the starting lineup after recovering from an injury that sidelined him for two previous matches. Koné had stepped in for Tchouaméni during his absence. Despite not being injured, Koné is expected to feature later in the game against Spain.
