Spain combined defensive discipline with clinical finishing to defeat France 2-0, earning a place in the FIFA World Cup 2026 final and moving within one victory of a second world title.
Spain produced a disciplined and clinical performance to defeat France 2-0 in the FIFA World Cup 2026 semifinal at Dallas Stadium on Tuesday, July 14 (local time), booking their place in the tournament’s final for only the second time in history.
Goals from Mikel Oyarzabal and Pedro Porro secured a deserved victory for La Roja, who frustrated France with resolute defending before capitalizing on their chances to eliminate the 2018 world champions.
Spain will now face the winner of the second semifinal between England and Argentina in Sunday’s World Cup final at New York New Jersey Stadium. The Spaniards won their only previous World Cup final appearance in 2010 when Andrés Iniesta scored the extra-time winner against the Netherlands in Johannesburg.
France entered the contest as slight favorites, but it was Spain who created the first clear opportunity. Teenage sensation Lamine Yamal, playing a day after his 19th birthday, raced onto a loose ball inside the penalty area before being brought down by Lucas Digne, earning Spain a penalty in the 22nd minute.
Oyarzabal calmly converted from the spot, sending his effort beyond French goalkeeper Mike Maignan, who had built a reputation as one of the tournament’s most reliable penalty stoppers.
Spain doubled their advantage 13 minutes into the second half through Pedro Porro. The right-back exchanged a slick one-two with Dani Olmo before finishing confidently into the bottom corner to leave France facing an uphill battle.
Didier Deschamps responded by introducing Désiré Doué and Rayan Cherki in search of a comeback, while captain Kylian Mbappé remained France’s primary attacking threat. However, Spain’s defense stood firm, with goalkeeper Unai Simón repeatedly sweeping up danger outside his penalty area and Marc Cucurella producing a crucial challenge to deny Mbappé a clear scoring opportunity.
Despite enjoying spells of possession late in the match, France struggled to create meaningful chances as Spain controlled proceedings with composure and tactical discipline.
The final whistle sparked celebrations among the Spanish players and supporters, while France were left to reflect on another missed opportunity to reach the World Cup final. Les Bleus will now face the loser of the England-Argentina semifinal in Saturday’s third-place playoff.
Spain, meanwhile, move one step closer to capturing their second FIFA World Cup title, having last lifted the trophy in South Africa in 2010.
