Sports
Spain beats France 2-0 in World Cup semi-final — tactical masterclass sends La Roja to the final
Spain are through to the 2026 World Cup final after a commanding 2-0 victory over France at Dallas Stadium on Tuesday night. Mikel Oyarzabal's first-half penalty and Pedro Porro's driven second-half strike were enough to dispatch a French side that never quite found its rhythm, securing Spain's first World Cup final appearance since 2010.
A penalty born from youth brilliance
The breakthrough came in the 22nd minute through 19-year-old Lamine Yamal, who continues to define this tournament. Receiving the ball on the right flank, the Barcelona teenager turned Lucas Digne inside out before the French full-back clumsily brought him down in the box. Oyarzabal stepped up and sent Mike Maignan the wrong way from the spot — his fourth goal of the tournament and arguably the most important of his career.
That penalty was the product of a broader tactical battle. Spain's 67% possession was expected, but what surprised observers was how effectively they prevented France from transitioning. Kylian Mbappé, the tournament's most dangerous counter-attacking weapon, had just 34 touches — his lowest in any World Cup match since 2022 — as Spain's defensive trap consistently caught him offside or forced him into wide areas with no support.
Porro seals the result
Spain doubled their lead in the 58th minute through an unlikely source. Right-back Pedro Porro, who had pushed high throughout the second half, found himself in space on the edge of the box after Dani Olmo's clever lay-off. His low driven shot took a slight deflection off Dayot Upamecano before nestling in the far corner — a finish that showcased the attacking confidence running through this Spanish side.
The goal forced France to chase the game, which played directly into Spain's hands. Didier Deschamps brought on Marcus Thuram and Randal Kolo Muani, but France's attacking play remained disjointed. Spain's midfield trio of Rodri, Pedri, and Fabián Ruiz completely controlled the central zone, completing 91% of their combined passes under pressure.
What the data says
- Possession: Spain 67% — France 33%
- Shots on target: Spain 5 — France 2
- Expected goals (xG): Spain 1.8 — France 0.7
- Touches in opposition box: Spain 26 — France 14
- Distance covered: Spain 118.3 km — France 112.1 km
A historic milestone
This is only Spain's second World Cup final appearance. The first, in 2010, ended in victory over the Netherlands. They now await the winner of Wednesday's second semi-final between defending champions Argentina and England, who will play at Atlanta Stadium on July 15. The final takes place on July 19 at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey.
For France, the defeat ends a remarkable run of two consecutive World Cup finals (2018 win, 2022 runner-up). They became the first defending champion since Brazil in 2006 to reach a semi-final of the following tournament but could not break through to a third straight final — a feat no men's team has achieved since Brazil in 1998-2002.