Spain secured their place in the 2026 FIFA World Cup final with a composed 2-0 victory over France in Tuesday’s semi-final at Dallas Stadium.
Goals from Mikel Oyarzabal and Pedro Porro earned Luis de la Fuente’s side a deserved win as Spain outplayed a France team packed with attacking talent to book a place in Sunday’s final.
Spain took the lead midway through the first half after France defender Lucas Digne fouled Lamine Yamal inside the penalty area while attempting to clear the ball.
Oyarzabal stepped up and calmly converted the resulting penalty to give his side the advantage.
The goal allowed Spain to dictate the tempo, maintaining possession and limiting France’s attacking opportunities for the remainder of the half.
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France, expected to respond after the break, struggled to break down Spain’s organised defence. Instead, Spain doubled their lead when Pedro Porro combined neatly with Dani Olmo before finishing confidently at the near post.
The two-goal cushion left France chasing the game, but Didier Deschamps’ side failed to find a way through a disciplined Spanish backline that has now conceded just one goal throughout the tournament.
Spain comfortably saw out the closing stages to secure a place in the World Cup final, where they will face either England or Argentina, who meet in the second semi-final on Wednesday.
The defeat ends France’s bid to reach a third consecutive World Cup final and marks the beginning of the end of Didier Deschamps’ 14-year reign, with the veteran coach set to leave his role after the tournament. France will now play in Saturday’s third-place play-off.
Spain, meanwhile, remain on course to win their second FIFA World Cup title after their triumph in 2010.
