Spain Books Its Place in the 2026 FIFA World Cup Final

The road to the 2026 FIFA World Cup Final just became clearer as Spain produced a commanding performance to defeat France 2-0 in the first semifinal on July 14. The victory sends La Roja to the championship match, where they will face the winner of the second semifinal between England and Argentina.

Spain controlled much of the game with its trademark possession-based football, limiting France’s attacking opportunities from the opening whistle. The breakthrough came in the first half when Mikel Oyarzabal calmly converted a penalty after Lamine Yamal was fouled inside the box. Spain doubled its advantage in the second half through Pedro Porro, whose composed finish effectively sealed the result.

Despite boasting world-class talent led by Kylian Mbappé, France struggled to create clear-cut chances against Spain’s disciplined defense. Spain’s midfield dictated the tempo throughout the match, frustrating the French attack and maintaining control until the final whistle.

One of the biggest stories of the tournament remains teenage sensation Lamine Yamal. Although he did not score, his pace and creativity caused constant problems for the French defense, earning the penalty that opened the scoring. His influence continues to highlight why he is considered one of football’s brightest young stars.

Spain’s run to the final is no accident. Combining experienced leaders with exciting young talent, they have now reached their first World Cup final since winning the tournament in 2010. Their unbeaten run and consistent performances throughout the competition have made them one of the tournament’s standout teams.

Spain will now prepare for the World Cup Final on Sunday, where they will meet either England or Argentina. Meanwhile, France will play in the third-place playoff after seeing their hopes of another World Cup title come to an end.

The second semifinal between England and Argentina promises another blockbuster encounter, with the winner earning the chance to challenge Spain for football’s biggest prize.

90+7′
France pushes forward through Ousmane Dembele, whose finish on goal is saved.

90+5′
France’s Ousmane Dembele is on target but unsuccessful.

86′
Kylian Mbappe (France) has been booked and must now be careful not to get a second yellow card.

84′
Spain make their fourth substitution with Nico Williams replacing Alex Baena.

84′
Luis De La Fuente is making the team’s fifth substitution at Dallas Stadium with Marcos Llorente replacing Pedro Porro.

81′
Desire Doue for France drives towards goal at Dallas Stadium. But the finish is unsuccessful.

78′
Pedri is on a sub for Fabian Ruiz for Spain.

78′
Mikel Merino is replacing Dani Olmo for Spain at Dallas Stadium.

74′
Spain make their first substitution with Ferran Torres replacing Mikel Oyarzabal.

72′
Rayan Cherki is on a sub for Michael Olise for France.

72′
France makes their fifth substitution with Theo Hernandez replacing Lucas Digne.

64′
France pushes forward through Kylian Mbappe, whose finish on goal is saved.

58′
Great finish from Pedro Porro to give Spain a 0 – 2 lead. Fine assist from Dani Olmo to make the score 0 – 2.

57′
France make their third substitution with Desire Doue replacing Bradley Barcola.

46′
The second-half is underway at Dallas Stadium.

46′
Manu Kone is on a sub for Adrien Rabiot for France.

45+7′
Ivan Barton blows to end the first half.

31′
Marc Cucurella for Spain has been booked by Ivan Barton and receives a first yellow card.

30′
Didier Deschamps (France) has taken off William Saliba who seemed to be grimacing with pain earlier. A possible injury. Maxence Lacroix is the replacement.

22′
It’s advantage Spain in Arlington, TX as Mikel Oyarzabal scores from the spot to make it 0 – 1.

20′
Penalty! Ivan Barton points to the spot, great chance for Spain.

9′
Adrien Rabiot (France) gets a yellow card.

0′
The whistle has gone to start the match.

0′
Match started