Bayern Munich star Dayot Upamecano wanted to face Germany at FIFA World Cup

France secured their place in the last four by overcoming Paraguay before defeating Morocco, setting up a Tuesday showdown with Spain. Victory would send them into Sunday's final, where either England or Argentina await.

The centre-back had hoped to come up against several of his Bayern teammates during the competition, but that possibility disappeared after Germany suffered a shock Round of 32 defeat to Paraguay.

That unexpected exit denied fans a potential Round of 16 meeting between France and Germany, leaving Upamecano without the chance to face familiar club colleagues on the international stage.

Germany had fielded a Bayern-heavy starting line-up against Paraguay, with Manuel Neuer, Joshua Kimmich, Jonathan Tah, Aleksandar Pavlovic, and Leroy Sane all named in the XI.

"I wanted to play against Germany. Unfortunately, they're out. That's football. Now they have to keep their heads up and simply keep going," Upamecano told Sky Germany.

"I send my greetings to all the German national team players from FC Bayern. Once we're back at Bayern, we'll get back to work and give it everything we've got. And I hope we win everything."