- Spain Silence France to Reach World Cup Final
Spain produced a composed and clinical display to defeat France 2-0 in the semifinals of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, ending Les Bleus’ title hopes and booking a place in Sunday’s final.
The European champions once again proved why they are regarded as one of the world’s finest teams, outclassing a star-studded French side in front of 70,176 spectators at Dallas Stadium.
A first-half penalty from Mikel Oyarzabal and a well-worked second-half finish by Pedro Porro sealed a deserved victory, extending Spain’s remarkable unbeaten run to 37 matches across all competitions and keeping alive their dream of completing a historic UEFA Euro-World Cup double for the first time since their golden generation triumphed in 2010.
The semifinal had been billed as a blockbuster clash between two of the tournament’s favourites, with much attention focused on France’s devastating attacking quartet led by Kylian Mbappe.
However, Didier Deschamps’ side struggled to impose themselves from the opening whistle as Spain controlled possession and dictated the tempo.
Mbappe, who entered the match among the tournament’s leading scorers, was effectively neutralised by Spain’s disciplined defence, while Ballon d’Or winner Ousmane Dembele and creative midfielder Michael Olise failed to make any meaningful impact.
France managed only two shots—and none on target—before Spain doubled their advantage, highlighting the effectiveness of Luis de la Fuente’s tactical approach.
Spain’s breakthrough came in the 22nd minute after France defender Lucas Digne caught teenage sensation Lamine Yamal while attempting to clear the ball inside the penalty area.
The referee pointed straight to the spot, and Oyarzabal made no mistake, calmly blasting his penalty beyond the French goalkeeper to hand Spain a deserved lead.
France’s problems worsened shortly afterwards when central defender William Saliba was forced off through injury, disrupting an already shaky backline.
Spain nearly doubled their advantage before halftime with another flowing move as Dani Olmo brilliantly backheeled the ball into Yamal’s path. The teenager chose to square it for Fabian Ruiz, whose effort was bravely blocked.
France showed little improvement after the restart and were punished again in the 58th minute.
Pedro Porro combined brilliantly with Dani Olmo before racing into the area and calmly finishing past the goalkeeper to make it 2-0, sparking wild celebrations among the Spanish players and supporters.
Lamine Yamal thought he had added a third moments later but saw his effort ruled out for offside.
Deschamps attempted to change the game with substitutions, including withdrawing Michael Olise after an unusually quiet performance in which the tournament’s leading assist provider failed to register his usual creative influence.
Spain, meanwhile, continued to threaten on the counterattack, with Ferran Torres wasting a glorious headed opportunity to increase the margin.
France finally managed to test goalkeeper Unai Simón deep into stoppage time, but by then the contest had long slipped beyond their reach.
The defeat brings France’s World Cup campaign to a disappointing end and marks a frustrating conclusion to Didier Deschamps’ 14-year reign as head coach.
Having entered the tournament among the favourites, Les Bleus failed to produce the attacking football that had carried them to the semifinals, with Spain comfortably containing their biggest stars throughout the evening.
France will now turn their attention to Saturday’s third-place playoff, while Spain prepare for the biggest match of the tournament.
Spain will now face either England or defending champions Argentina in Sunday’s World Cup final in New York/New Jersey.
The victory also continues Spain’s dominance over France in recent years, having eliminated Les Bleus in the semifinals of Euro 2024 before defeating them again in the UEFA Nations League semifinals in 2025.
