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Spain produced a commanding performance to defeat France 2-0 in the FIFA World Cup semifinal on Tuesday, booking only the second World Cup final in the nation’s history and extending their remarkable unbeaten run to 37 matches.
The European champions controlled the contest from start to finish at Dallas Stadium, denying France’s star-studded attack any meaningful opportunities and keeping a sixth clean sheet of the tournament.
Spain took the lead in the 22nd minute when Mikel Oyarzabal calmly converted a penalty after teenage sensation Lamine Yamal was brought down in the box by Lucas Digne. The goal was Oyarzabal’s fifth of the tournament, equalling Spain’s record for the most goals scored by a player in a single World Cup, previously held by Emilio Butragueño and David Villa.
Luis de la Fuente’s side doubled their advantage in the 58th minute with a flowing team move. Dani Olmo combined neatly with Pedro Porro, who burst into the penalty area before clinically finishing past the French goalkeeper to effectively seal Spain’s place in the final.
France, runners-up in the last two World Cups, struggled throughout the match to break down Spain’s disciplined defence. Captain Kylian Mbappé was kept unusually quiet, managing just one touch inside Spain’s penalty area during the opening half.
The French challenge suffered another setback midway through the first half when defender William Saliba was forced off with an injury, prompting an early reshuffle by coach Didier Deschamps. Despite several attacking substitutions after the break, France failed to mount a comeback as Spain comfortably saw out the victory.
The win sends Spain into their first World Cup final since lifting the trophy in South Africa in 2010 and only the second in the country’s history. It also extends their unbeaten streak to 37 international matches, matching Italy’s all-time record.
For France, the defeat ends hopes of reaching a third consecutive World Cup final after finishing champions in 2018 and runners-up in 2022.
Spain will now face the winner of Wednesday’s second semifinal between Argentina and England. The 2026 FIFA World Cup final will be played on Sunday at New York New Jersey Stadium in East Rutherford, where La Roja will aim to win their second world title.
