Spain secured a place in the 2026 FIFA World Cup final with a commanding 2-0 victory over France, extending their unbeaten run and moving within one win of a second world title.
In a semi-final widely regarded as one of the tournament’s marquee fixtures, the European champions produced a disciplined and clinical display, scoring once in each half while restricting France to few clear opportunities.
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The victory sends Spain into Sunday’s final at MetLife Stadium, where they will face either Argentina or England. France, meanwhile, will contest the third-place playoff.
Spain take control
Spain broke the deadlock midway through the first half after teenage winger Lamine Yamal won a penalty following a challenge inside the box.
Mikel Oyarzabal stepped up and confidently converted from the spot, giving Spain a deserved lead after an energetic start.
France’s problems were compounded soon afterwards when central defender William Saliba was forced off with an apparent injury, disrupting Didier Deschamps’ defensive setup.
Spain continued to dominate possession and created further openings before the break, but France managed to keep the deficit at one goal heading into half-time.
Porro seals the victory
France introduced fresh legs after the interval in an attempt to regain control, but Spain struck again shortly before the hour mark.
A well-worked passing move released right-back Pedro Porro into space, and he calmly finished past goalkeeper Mike Maignan to double Spain’s advantage.
The goal left France chasing the game, but Spain’s organized defensive structure denied the 2018 world champions any sustained momentum.
Yamal thought he had added a third goal later in the match, but the effort was ruled out for offside following a VAR review.
Despite making several substitutions in search of a comeback, France struggled to break through Spain’s defence as La Roja comfortably saw out the closing stages.
Spain’s impressive run continues
The victory extends Spain’s remarkable unbeaten streak, with the side continuing the form that saw them lift the UEFA European Championship.
They have now conceded only one goal throughout the tournament, underlining both their defensive solidity and attacking efficiency.
France entered the semi-final after an impressive campaign, having reached the last four with convincing performances, but they were unable to match Spain’s intensity and tactical discipline on the day.
Spain will now attempt to add a second FIFA World Cup title to the one they won in South Africa in 2010 when they contest Sunday’s final.
