Spain produced a disciplined and clinical performance to defeat France 2-0 in the FIFA World Cup 2026 semi-final at Dallas Stadium on Tuesday, booking their place in the tournament final.
Goals from Mikel Oyarzabal and Pedro Porro secured a deserved victory for La Roja, who frustrated France with a strong defensive display while making the most of their opportunities in attack.
Spain took the lead after Lamine Yamal was brought down inside the penalty area, earning a spot-kick after getting ahead of Lucas Digne. Oyarzabal calmly converted the penalty past France goalkeeper Mike Maignan to give Spain the advantage.
The European champions doubled their lead when Pedro Porro combined brilliantly with Dani Olmo before finishing clinically into the bottom corner, leaving France with a difficult task of mounting a comeback.
France, who entered the contest as slight favourites, struggled to break down Spain’s organised defence despite the presence of attacking talents including Kylian Mbappe, Desire Doue and Rayan Cherki. Spain goalkeeper Unai Simon made key interventions, while Marc Cucurella produced a crucial challenge to deny Mbappe.
With the final whistle, Spain celebrated a memorable semi-final triumph, while France were left to fight for third place in the tournament. Spain will now face the winner of the England-Argentina semi-final in the FIFA World Cup 2026 final at the New York New Jersey Stadium on Sunday.
This will be Spain’s second appearance in a World Cup final, having previously lifted the trophy in 2010 after Andres Iniesta’s iconic extra-time winner against the Netherlands.
(Inputs from FIFA)
