Spain booked their place in the 2026 FIFA World Cup final with an impressive 2-0 victory over tournament favourites France in Dallas, ending Les Bleus’ hopes of reaching a third consecutive World Cup final.
First-half goals from Mikel Oyarzabal and Pedro Porro proved enough to send La Roja into Sunday’s showpiece, where they will face either Argentina or England.
France, led by Golden Boot contender Kylian Mbappe, struggled to break down Spain’s disciplined and well-organised side despite creating a handful of opportunities.
The breakthrough came in the 22nd minute after Lucas Digne brought down Lamine Yamal inside the penalty area. Referee pointed straight to the spot, and Oyarzabal calmly converted from 12 yards, sending Mike Maignan the right way but placing his effort perfectly into the top corner.
Spain continued to dominate possession through Rodri and Fabian Ruiz, with Dani Olmo dictating play between the lines as France found it difficult to establish any rhythm.
Les Bleus suffered another setback midway through the first half when defender William Saliba was forced off through injury, with Maxence Lacroix replacing the Arsenal centre-back.
Despite flashes of danger from Ousmane Dembele, Bradley Barcola and Mbappe, Spain remained in control, thanks largely to the excellent performances of full-back Pedro Porro and goalkeeper Unai Simon.
France manager Thomas Tuchel made an early tactical adjustment at half-time, replacing the booked Adrien Rabiot with Kouadio Koné in an attempt to inject fresh energy into midfield.
However, Spain doubled their advantage in the 58th minute through the outstanding Porro.
After exchanging passes with Dani Olmo, the Tottenham defender continued his run into the penalty area unnoticed by the French defence before calmly steering the loose ball beyond Maignan to make it 2-0.
Tuchel responded with further attacking substitutions, introducing Rayan Cherki and Theo Hernandez as France desperately searched for a route back into the contest.
However, Spain’s defence, marshalled by Pau Cubarsi and Aymeric Laporte, stood firm to preserve another clean-sheet performance against one of the tournament’s most dangerous attacks.
The victory sends Spain into the World Cup final for the second time in their history as they continue their pursuit of a second world title following their triumph in 2010.
For France, the defeat ends another impressive World Cup campaign despite arriving in the United States as one of the favourites to lift the trophy.
Spain will now await the winner of Wednesday’s second semi-final between Argentina and England, with the World Cup title set to be decided on Sunday at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey.
