Spain are through to the final of the 2026 FIFA World Cup after a disciplined 2-0 victory over France in Tuesday night’s semi-final clash in Arlington, Texas.
The result means Spain beat France to book a date in Sunday’s final, where they will face the winner of the second semi-final between England and Argentina.
Mikel Oyarzabal and Pedro Porro scored the goals that ensured Luis de la Fuente’s side continued their impressive run in the tournament.
Oyarzabal and Porro seal victory
Spain took the lead in the 22nd minute after teenage sensation Lamine Yamal was brought down inside the penalty area by Lucas Digne.
Referee Ivan Barton pointed to the spot, and Oyarzabal calmly converted the penalty beyond France goalkeeper Mike Maignan.
The goal was Oyarzabal’s fifth of the tournament and marked the first time France had found themselves behind during their World Cup campaign.
Spain continued to control the game and doubled their advantage in the 58th minute through Pedro Porro.
The Tottenham defender combined brilliantly with Dani Olmo before finishing confidently into the bottom corner to leave France with a mountain to climb.
Despite introducing attacking options including Désiré Doué and Rayan Cherki, France struggled to create enough clear-cut opportunities against Spain’s organised defence.
FIFA praises Spain’s performance
In its post-match report, FIFA described Spain’s display as fully deserved, saying the European champions frustrated France throughout the contest while taking their chances at the other end.
“Spain frustrated France at one end and punished them at the other to deservedly win their FIFA World Cup 2026 semi-final.”
The football governing body also highlighted Spain’s defensive discipline and clinical finishing, noting that La Roja limited France’s attacking threats while scoring through Oyarzabal and Porro.
FIFA further stated that Spain will now compete in Sunday’s World Cup final at New York New Jersey Stadium, where they will meet either England or Argentina.
The Spaniards previously won their only World Cup final appearance in 2010 when Andrés Iniesta scored the winning goal against the Netherlands.
France entered the match as slight favourites, with Kylian Mbappé posing occasional danger on the counterattack. However, Spain controlled key moments of the game, beginning with Yamal’s decisive run that earned the opening penalty.
Reflecting on the second goal, FIFA said:
“The advantage was amplified when Porro played a palatial one-two with Dani Olmo, taking the return impeccably and burying the ball in the bottom corner.”
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Although France pushed for a comeback during the closing stages, goalkeeper Unai Simón impressed with his sweeping role outside the box, while Marc Cucurella made a crucial challenge to deny Mbappé.
The victory sends Spain into another World Cup final, while France will now turn their attention to Saturday’s third-place playoff, where Mbappé could still strengthen his bid for the tournament’s Golden Boot award.
