Spain Outplay France to Reach FIFA World Cup 2026 Final
Spain have secured their place in the FIFA World Cup 2026 final after a commanding 2-0 victory over France in the semi-final at Dallas Stadium.
Goals from Mikel Oyarzabal and Pedro Porro were enough to send La Roja through after a disciplined performance that frustrated France’s attacking stars and showcased Spain’s defensive strength.
Spain took control of the contest after Lamine Yamal won a penalty following a challenge inside the box. Oyarzabal stepped up and calmly converted from the spot in the 22nd minute to give Luis de la Fuente’s side the lead.
The advantage was doubled in the second half when Porro combined brilliantly with Dani Olmo before finishing confidently into the bottom corner in the 58th minute.
France attempted to respond with increased attacking pressure, introducing Desire Doue and Rayan Cherki in search of a comeback. However, Spain remained composed, with goalkeeper Unai Simon making key interventions and Marc Cucurella producing a crucial challenge to deny Kylian Mbappe.
The victory continues Spain’s remarkable defensive record at the tournament. La Roja have kept six clean sheets in seven matches and have conceded only two goals throughout their World Cup campaign, matching the best defensive record of previous World Cup winners.
Oyarzabal’s penalty was another milestone in an outstanding period for the Spanish forward, who has now scored 18 goals in his last 20 appearances for the national team. The goal also moved him into an elite group of Spanish players to have reached 30 international goals.
Porro was named Player of the Match after his influential display, combining defensive discipline with a decisive contribution in attack.
Spain will now face the winners of the semi-final between England and Argentina in the World Cup final at New York New Jersey Stadium on Sunday. The nation will be hoping to repeat its only previous success in a World Cup final, when Andres Iniesta scored the winning goal against the Netherlands in 2010.
France, meanwhile, will compete in the third-place play-off on Saturday, where Mbappe will look to strengthen his bid for another Golden Boot award.
