Key points
- Spain defeated France 2-0 to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup final.
- Mikel Oyarzabal and Pedro Porro scored for Spain.
- France lost William Saliba to injury in the first half and struggled to create clear chances.
- Spain will now compete for the World Cup title after a dominant semi-final performance.
Main story
Spain booked their place in the 2026 FIFA World Cup final after defeating France 2-0 in a commanding semi-final performance at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas.
Spain controlled much of the contest, enjoying greater possession, creating the clearer scoring opportunities and limiting France’s attacking threat throughout the match.
The Spaniards made their early dominance count in the 22nd minute when Mikel Oyarzabal converted a penalty after a foul inside the box to give his side the lead.
France suffered another setback eight minutes later when defender William Saliba was forced off through injury and replaced by Maxence Lacroix.
Coach Didier Deschamps made changes after the break in an attempt to revive his team’s performance, introducing Manu Kone and later Desire Doue to strengthen the midfield and attack.
However, Spain extended their advantage in the 58th minute when Pedro Porro finished confidently after being played through by Dani Olmo.
Deschamps made further substitutions as France searched for a way back into the game, while Spain refreshed their own side with a series of changes that helped maintain control of the contest.
France captain Kylian Mbappe was booked late in the match as frustration grew, with Spain comfortably seeing out the remaining minutes to secure victory.
Spain coach Luis de la Fuente praised his team’s discipline and composure after the match, while Deschamps admitted Spain deserved to progress after outperforming his side.
The issues
Spain’s victory underlines the team’s resurgence on the international stage, while France will reflect on missed opportunities and defensive setbacks that ended their bid for another World Cup final appearance.
What’s being said
“We showed character, discipline and quality when it mattered most.” — Luis de la Fuente, Spain coach
What’s next
Spain will face the winner of the other semi-final in the 2026 FIFA World Cup final, while France’s campaign ends at the last-four stage.
Bottom line
A disciplined and clinical display earned Spain a deserved victory over France and a place in the 2026 FIFA World Cup final.
