ARLINGTON, Texas — Spain produced a tactical masterclass to end France’s bid for a third FIFA World Cup title, defeating Didier Deschamps’ side 2-0 in Tuesday’s semi-final to book their place in the 2026 final.
Goals from Mikel Oyarzabal and Pedro Porro sealed victory at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas, as the European champions neutralised one of the tournament’s most prolific attacks to move within one win of lifting their second World Cup trophy.
Spain will now face either defending champions Argentina or England in Sunday’s final in East Rutherford, New Jersey.
Spain expose France’s weaknesses
France entered the semi-final unbeaten and among the favourites after scoring 16 goals in six matches, with a star-studded attack led by Kylian Mbappé, Ousmane Dembélé and Michael Olise. But Luis de la Fuente’s disciplined side denied Les Bleus space, controlled midfield possession and limited them to few clear-cut opportunities.
The breakthrough came in the 22nd minute after teenage winger Lamine Yamal drew a penalty when he was brought down by Lucas Digne inside the area.
Oyarzabal confidently converted from the spot to hand Spain the lead and score his fifth goal of the tournament.
France’s problems deepened minutes later when defender William Saliba was forced off with a recurrence of a lower-back injury, disrupting an already unsettled defensive line.
Porro caps flowing move
Deschamps introduced attacking reinforcements after the break in an attempt to wrestle back momentum, but Spain instead doubled their advantage.
In the 58th minute, Porro exchanged passes with Dani Olmo before calmly finishing beyond goalkeeper Mike Maignan, capping a move that reflected Spain’s technical superiority throughout the contest.
France pushed forward in search of a response, but Spain’s organised defence—backed by goalkeeper Unai Simón—held firm to preserve another clean sheet.
The result marked Spain’s sixth shutout of the tournament, underlining the defensive consistency that has complemented their attacking flair throughout the competition.
Mbappé admits France fell short
France captain Kylian Mbappé acknowledged his side failed to match Spain’s intensity and tactical discipline.
Speaking after the match, Mbappé described France’s display as “sloppy” and accepted responsibility as captain after the team’s hopes of reaching a third consecutive World Cup final came to an end.
Also Read: Messi, Mbappe, Kane and Haaland in the hunt for World Cup glory
For Deschamps, the defeat ends a remarkable World Cup run that included lifting the trophy in 2018 and finishing runners-up in 2022. His final tournament in charge will now conclude with the third-place play-off.
Spain closing in on history
Spain, crowned world champions in South Africa in 2010, are now one victory away from reclaiming football’s biggest prize.
Their march to the final has been built on defensive resilience, midfield control and the emergence of young talents such as Lamine Yamal, whose influence has grown with each match despite being only 19.
Having now gone more than three dozen matches unbeaten under De la Fuente, Spain head into the final as favourites to complete one of the most dominant international campaigns in recent memory.
