Spain booked their place in the 2026 FIFA World Cup final after a commanding 2-0 victory over France in Tuesday’s semi-final clash at Dallas Stadium, Arlington, Texas.
Mikel Oyarzabal opened the scoring from the penalty spot in the 22nd minute after Lucas Digne was penalised for a foul on teenage sensation Lamine Yamal inside the box. Oyarzabal made no mistake, sending French goalkeeper Mike Maignan the wrong way.
Pedro Porro doubled Spain’s advantage in the 58th minute, capitalising on a defensive lapse from France to slot home their second of the night.
Spain were dominant throughout, restricting France’s vaunted attacking trio of Kylian Mbappé, Ousmane Dembélé and Michael Olise to just two shots on goal, while La Roja managed six attempts of their own.
The result extends Spain’s unbeaten run to 37 matches (28 wins, 9 draws) and means they have conceded just once at this World Cup.
France, who entered the tournament among the favourites, struggled to create clear chances despite the introduction of Désiré Doué for Bradley Barcola in the second half.
Mbappé, the tournament’s joint-top scorer alongside Argentina’s Lionel Messi with eight goals, was largely subdued and picked up a yellow card late on for a foul on Spanish goalkeeper Unai Simón.
Spain will now await the winner of Wednesday’s semi-final between Argentina and England to determine their opponents in Sunday’s final at New York New Jersey Stadium.
The Spaniards are chasing only their second World Cup title, having previously lifted the trophy in 2010.
France will play in Saturday’s third-place playoff.
