Spain booked their place in the 2026 FIFA World Cup final with an impressive 2-0 victory over France, producing a composed display to end Les Bleus’ title hopes at Dallas Stadium.
Luis de la Fuente’s side neutralised France’s star-studded attack and controlled the semi-final from start to finish, earning a deserved place in Sunday’s final, where they will face either England or Argentina.
Spain took the lead midway through the first half after Lucas Digne brought down Lamine Yamal while attempting to clear the ball inside the penalty area. Mikel Oyarzabal confidently converted the resulting penalty, giving Spain an advantage they rarely looked like surrendering.
Rather than responding after the break, France found themselves under even greater pressure. Spain doubled their lead when Pedro Porro combined neatly with Dani Olmo before finishing confidently at the near post, leaving Didier Deschamps’ side with a mountain to climb.
France, who had entered the tournament as favourites thanks to an attack led by Kylian Mbappe and supported by Michael Olise, Ousmane Dembele, Bradley Barcola and Desire Doue, struggled to create meaningful opportunities against Spain’s disciplined defensive structure. Their problems deepened when centre-back William Saliba was forced off through injury shortly after the opening goal.
Spain’s organisation was evident throughout the contest. Rodri controlled the midfield with another outstanding performance, breaking up attacks and dictating the tempo, while Fabian Ruiz justified his selection alongside him with another composed display. At the back, Spain’s defence continued its remarkable tournament, restricting France to their first shot on target only in the 81st minute and maintaining a record of conceding just one goal throughout the competition.
The victory highlights Spain’s growing momentum after lifting the European Championship in 2024. Although injuries have limited the influence of wide stars Lamine Yamal and Nico Williams during much of the tournament, the squad has relied on its collective strength, tactical discipline and midfield control to reach only its second World Cup final since winning the title in 2010.
For France, the defeat marks a disappointing end to a campaign that had appeared destined for glory. After convincing knockout victories over Sweden, Paraguay and Morocco, Les Bleus were unable to reproduce their attacking quality when it mattered most.
The result also signals the closing chapter of Didier Deschamps’ 14-year reign as France manager. Instead of competing for a second World Cup title under his leadership, France will now play in Saturday’s third-place play-off, while Mbappe’s pursuit of the Golden Boot will be the team’s remaining individual objective.
Spain will now head to New Jersey aiming to lift the World Cup for only the second time in their history, awaiting the winner of Wednesday’s semi-final between England and Argentina.