ARLINGTON, TEXAS: Spain delivered a clinical performance to defeat France 2-0 on Tuesday night, securing their place in the 2026 FIFA World Cup final for the first time in 16 years.
The European champions combined attacking efficiency with defensive excellence to overcome a French side packed with world-class talent, extending their unbeaten streak to 37 matches and moving within one victory of lifting football’s biggest prize once again.
Goals from Mikel Oyarzabal and Pedro Porro proved enough to send La Roja into Sunday’s final, where they will meet either England or Argentina at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey.
Much of the pre-match attention centred on France’s explosive frontline, featuring Kylian Mbappé, Ousmane Dembélé, and Michael Olise. But once the match got underway, it was Spain who controlled the rhythm, dominated possession and dictated virtually every phase of play.
Luis de la Fuente’s men showed why they have become one of the tournament’s standout teams, blending patient build-up play with disciplined defending to frustrate France throughout the contest.
Having conceded only one goal before the semifinal, Spain once again demonstrated that their greatest strength lies in their balance at both ends of the pitch.
Spain found the breakthrough in the 22nd minute after teenage sensation Lamine Yamal drew a foul inside the penalty area from French defender Lucas Digne.
Referee Ivan Barton immediately awarded a penalty, and Mikel Oyarzabal confidently sent goalkeeper Mike Maignan the wrong way to put Spain ahead.
The goal settled Spain, allowing them to control possession while limiting France to very few meaningful attacking opportunities
France’s problems worsened moments later when defender William Saliba was forced off with an injury, disrupting Didier Deschamps’ defensive plans.
Although Les Bleus attempted to respond after halftime with several substitutions and tactical adjustments, they struggled to break down Spain’s organised defensivMbappé, who had been one of the tournament’s brightest stars, found little room to operate as Spain’s defenders closed every avenue toward goal.
Spain doubled their lead in the 58th minute with another superbly constructed move.
After Dani Olmo worked his way into space around the edge of the penalty area, he slipped a perfectly timed pass into the path of Pedro Porro, who calmly finished beyond Maignan to make it 2-0.
The goal rewarded Spain’s intelligent movement and teamwork while leaving France with an almost impossible task.
France increased the pressure during the closing stages, but Spain’s backline remained composed.
Goalkeeper Unai Simón marshalled his defence confidently, while the Spanish defenders continued to frustrate every French attack.
By the final whistle, Spain had recorded yet another clean sheet, meaning they have conceded just one goal in seven matches during the tournament—an extraordinary defensive record for a team also blessed with attacking quality.
The defeat dashed France’s hopes of reaching a third consecutive FIFA World Cup final after lifting the trophy in 2018 and finishing runners-up in Qatar four years later.
It also marked the final World Cup semifinal for coach Didier Deschamps, who had already confirmed this tournament would be his last in charge of Les Bleus.
France will now turn their attention to Saturday’s third-place playoff.
Spain now stands just one victory away from becoming two-time FIFA World Cup champions.
Already crowned UEFA Euro 2024 winners, La Roja have carried that momentum onto football’s biggest stage with a tournament built on tactical intelligence, defensive resilience and collective teamwork.
Whether they face England or Argentina, Spain will head into Sunday’s final full of confidence after producing one of their most complete performances of the tournament.
With experienced leaders guiding a talented young generation, Luis de la Fuente’s side has shown they possess every quality required to reclaim the FIFA World Cup crown for the first time since their historic triumph in 2010.
