Spain Book Final Berth with Commanding Semi-Final Victory Over France
Spain secured their place in the 2026 FIFA World Cup final with a comprehensive 2-0 victory over France at the AT&T Stadium in Dallas, Texas, on Tuesday night. Mikel Oyarzabal’s first-half penalty and Pedro Porro’s clinical second-half strike ensured Luis de la Fuente’s side extended their remarkable unbeaten run to 37 matches — equalling the European record.
The semi-final clash between the tournament’s two standout sides was billed as a heavyweight contest, but France failed to produce the performance many had expected. Kylian Mbappe, the tournament’s joint-top scorer, was kept quiet throughout as Spain’s disciplined defensive structure neutralised Les Bleus’ attacking threats.
First-Half Breakthrough from the Spot
Spain’s breakthrough came in the 22nd minute when teenage sensation Lamine Yamal was caught by Lucas Digne inside the box. The Barcelona winger’s sharp movement forced Digne into a clumsy clearance attempt that made contact with Yamal rather than the ball. Mikel Oyarzabal stepped up and smashed the penalty into the bottom corner, sending the Spanish fans into delirium.
The goal was just reward for Spain’s dominant start. They controlled possession and moved the ball with the precision that has become their trademark under De la Fuente. France, by contrast, looked disjointed and lacked the creative spark that had carried them through the earlier rounds.
Porro Doubles the Lead
Any hope of a French comeback was extinguished in the 58th minute when Pedro Porro connected beautifully with Dani Olmo’s lay-off to slot home Spain’s second. The Tottenham wing-back showed superb composure to pick his spot and double Spain’s advantage.
France had managed just two shots with none on target before Porro’s goal. Even the introduction of additional attacking firepower failed to trouble the Spanish backline. Michael Olise, the World Cup’s leading assist-maker, was substituted on 72 minutes — a symbolic end to what was a frustrating evening for Les Bleus.
Mbappe and France Stifled
Kylian Mbappe, who had scored five goals in the tournament heading into the semi-final, was rendered anonymous by Spain’s tactical discipline. The Spanish defence, marshalled superbly by Aymeric Laporte and Robin Le Normand, denied Mbappe space and time on the ball throughout the contest.
Ballon d’Or holder Ousmane Dembele also struggled to make an impact as Spain’s midfield trio of Rodri, Dani Olmo, and Fabian Ruiz controlled the tempo from the centre of the park. France managed just three shots on target — two of which came after the 94th minute — as their Bastille Day celebrations fell flat.
Spain’s Unbeaten Run Continues
This victory extends Spain’s remarkable unbeaten streak to 37 matches across all competitions, equalling the European record. The run includes their Euro 2024 triumph where they also beat France in the semi-finals, the 2025 Nations League title where they defeated France again in the semis, and now this commanding World Cup semi-final performance.
Luis de la Fuente’s side are now one win away from completing a historic Euros-World Cup double — a feat Spain last achieved in 2010. Standing in their way will be either England or Argentina, who face off in the second semi-final.
De la Fuente: ‘We Are the Best Team in the World’
Speaking after the match, a jubilant Luis de la Fuente said: “We started almost four years ago with an idea and we’ve been faithful to that idea and it’s brought us here. Today we faced one of the best national teams in the world, but in front of them they had the best team in the world.”
“These players deserve everything — day after day they’ve shown their commitment, their solidarity, their generosity, their talent. They make the difficult look easy.”
What’s Next for France
For France and manager Didier Deschamps, this defeat marks a bitter end to what has been a 14-year tenure at the helm. A third-place play-off on Saturday awaits — a consolation prize that will do little to ease the disappointment of falling short when it mattered most.
Deschamps’ side were many pundits’ pre-tournament favourites, but their performance in Dallas was far below the standards that have made France one of international football’s most formidable teams over the past decade.
MK Sports Verdict
Spain’s performance was a masterclass in tournament football — disciplined defensively, creative in midfield, and clinical when it mattered. Their ability to control games through possession while remaining dangerous on the counter-attack makes them a formidable opponent for anyone.
The World Cup final promises to be a spectacular occasion, and if Spain can maintain this level of performance, they will take some stopping in New York/New Jersey on Sunday.