Spain defeats France 2-0 to reach FIFA World Cup 2026 final

Spain delivered a highly tactical and complete performance in Dallas to defeat tournament favourites France 2-0, securing their place in only the second World Cup final in their history. Directed by Luis de la Fuente, the European champions effectively neutralized France's potent attack consisting of Kylian Mbappe, Ousmane Dembele, and Michael Olise. By suffocating spatial pockets and controlling the midfield tempo, Spain restricted the French side to zero big chances and just three shots on target throughout the entire semi-final encounter.

The breakthrough arrived mid-way through the first half when teenage winger Lamine Yamal forced France's Lucas Digne into a rash challenge inside the penalty box. Mikel Oyarzabal calmly converted the resulting spot-kick, sending goalkeeper Mike Maignan the wrong way to give Spain the lead. La Roja consolidated their dominance just after the hour mark when defender Pedro Porro executed a precise one-two pass with Dani Olmo before driving a clinical finish past Maignan to put the match out of reach.

While Porro claimed the Player of the Match honors, midfielder Rodri anchored the victory by completing 59 successful passes and winning all his aerial duels to disrupt France's transition play. Kylian Mbappe was kept quiet by Spain's compact defensive line, managing only fleeting touches as frustration mounted for the French captain. The defeat marks a bitter conclusion for legendary French manager Didier Deschamps, whose final World Cup campaign with Les Bleus will end in the third-place play-off match.