Former France striker Thierry Henry and Sweden legend Zlatan Ibrahimovic have praised Spain after La Roja defeated France 2-0 to book their place in the 2026 FIFA World Cup final.
Goals from Mikel Oyarzabal and Pedro Porro secured Spain’s victory on Tuesday, ending France’s hopes of reaching a third consecutive World Cup final.
Reacting after the match, Henry admitted Spain were the better side throughout the contest, saying France had no answer to their dominance.
Henry said, “Too little from France at the end of the day. Spain controlled the game on and off the ball,” Henry said on Fox Sports.
“They showed why they are European champions; they are showing why they are going into the final.
“Nothing to add, they were far superior, and there is nothing to say about it. Spain, congratulations. You deserve to go to the final.”
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Ibrahimovic also hailed Spain’s collective strength, insisting Luis de la Fuente’s side deserved their place in the final because they outplayed France from start to finish.
“When I speak about Spain, I don’t speak of one star; the team is the star. When they shine, they shine collectively, even if you have Yamal,” Ibrahimovic said on Fox Sports.
“Spain is not a team that depends on one player. France lost against a better team today.
“Spain took the command of the game from the first minute until the last minute. They were active. They wanted it. France should have done more,” he said.
Spain will now face the winner of Wednesday’s semi-final between England and Argentina in the World Cup final.
