European champions Spain produced a composed and clinical performance to defeat France 2-0 and secure a place in the 2026 FIFA World Cup final.
Spain will now face either England or Argentina in Sunday’s showpiece at the New York New Jersey Stadium as they chase a second World Cup title, having first lifted the trophy in 2010.
After an evenly contested opening spell, Spain broke the deadlock in the 22nd minute when Mikel Oyarzabal converted a penalty. The spot-kick was awarded after France defender Lucas Digne brought down teenage sensation Lamine Yamal inside the box.
The goal allowed Spain to dictate the contest with their trademark possession-based football, restricting France’s attacking opportunities and controlling the pace of the game.
Pedro Porro sealed victory in the 58th minute, finishing off a slick one-two with Dani Olmo before calmly beating goalkeeper Mike Maignan.
France, who had reached the semifinals without conceding a goal in the knockout rounds, struggled to create clear-cut chances. Captain Kylian Mbappe, the tournament’s leading scorer with eight goals before the match, was effectively contained by the Spanish defence and failed to find the net.
The defeat also continued France’s recent struggles against Spain in major tournaments. La Roja have now beaten Les Bleus in three consecutive semifinals, following victories at Euro 2024 and the 2025 UEFA Nations League.
Pedro Porro was named Player of the Match after scoring Spain’s decisive second goal.
Speaking after the match, the defender hailed the team’s collective effort.
“It’s a dream come true. We knew we had to keep the ball to counter their strengths, and we did exactly that. This victory belongs to the whole team,” Porro said.
Spain’s victory sends them into only the second World Cup final in the nation’s history, while France must now regroup for the third-place playoff.
The second semifinal between England and Argentina will determine Spain’s opponents in Sunday’s final.
