Texas: Spain produced another disciplined display to defeat France 2-0, booking a place in the FIFA World Cup final and moving one step closer to lifting their second world title.
Luis de la Fuente’s side frustrated a star-studded French attack led by Kylian Mbappé before striking at key moments to continue an impressive tournament run.
Spain has now kept six clean sheets in seven matches, underlining the defensive strength that has powered their campaign.
Spain broke the deadlock in the 22nd minute after teenage sensation Lamine Yamal won a penalty with an intelligent run into the box. Defender Lucas Digne brought him down, and Mikel Oyarzabal calmly converted from the spot to hand Spain the lead.
The first spot in the Final belongs to Spain 🔒#FIFAWorldCup pic.twitter.com/8umlGDZZ2y
— FIFA World Cup (@FIFAWorldCup) July 14, 2026
The Spanish doubled their advantage in the 58th minute through Pedro Porro. A slick passing move involving Dani Olmo carved open the French defense before Porro finished confidently to put the result beyond doubt.
“We were facing one of the best national teams in the world, but today they were facing the best team in the world,” Spain coach Luis de la Fuente said after the victory.
Midfielder Rodri said Spain’s job is not yet finished. “It was very difficult to reach this stage, but we want more. We want to win this World Cup,” he said.
France struggled to create clear chances despite fielding one of the tournament’s most dangerous attacking line-ups, featuring Mbappé, Ballon d’Or winner Ousmane Dembélé, and Michael Olise. Mbappé failed to register a shot on target as Spain’s organized defense closed down every opening.
🇪🇸 Spain have qualified for the Final!#FIFAWorldCup pic.twitter.com/1RUndt34uf
— FIFA World Cup (@FIFAWorldCup) July 14, 2026
France coach Didier Deschamps admitted his team could not match Spain’s control. “They defended very well and closed the spaces, and we made too many technical mistakes. It became difficult to create chances,” he said.
The victory extends Spain’s unbeaten run in regular time to 37 matches since March 2024 and marks a third consecutive summer in which they have eliminated France in a major tournament semifinal.
Spain will now face either defending champions Argentina or England in Sunday’s World Cup final in East Rutherford, New Jersey. France will meet the loser of that semifinal in the third-place playoff on Saturday.
