Spain booked their place in the FIFA World Cup 2026 final with a commanding 2-0 victory over France in Tuesday night’s semi-final at Dallas Stadium.
La Roja produced a disciplined defensive display and clinical finishing to outclass Didier Deschamps’ side, ending France’s hopes of reaching a second consecutive World Cup final.
The victory sends Spain into Sunday’s final at New York New Jersey Stadium, where they will face either England or Argentina in a blockbuster showdown for football’s biggest prize.
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Spain, champions in 2010, are now one win away from lifting their second FIFA World Cup trophy.
France entered the contest as slight favourites, but it was Spain who created the first clear-cut opportunity. Teen sensation Lamine Yamal, who celebrated his 19th birthday a day earlier, was brought down inside the penalty area after beating Lucas Digne to the ball.
Captain Mikel Oyarzabal calmly converted the resulting penalty, sending goalkeeper Mike Maignan the wrong way to hand Spain an early lead.
Spain doubled their advantage soon afterwards through Pedro Porro. The defender combined brilliantly with Dani Olmo in a slick one-two before firing a composed finish into the bottom corner to leave Maignan with no chance.
France attempted to mount a comeback after the break, with Didier Deschamps introducing Desire Doue and Rayan Cherki to inject fresh attacking impetus.
However, Spain’s well-organised defence proved difficult to break down. Goalkeeper Unai Simon was alert throughout, sweeping up dangerous attacks, while Marc Cucurella produced a crucial challenge to deny Kylian Mbappe a clear scoring opportunity.
Despite enjoying more possession in the closing stages, Les Bleus struggled to create meaningful chances against a resolute Spanish backline.
The final whistle sparked jubilant celebrations among the Spanish players and supporters, while France were left to reflect on another painful World Cup semi-final exit.
Spain will now shift their focus to Sunday’s final, where they will attempt to capture their first World Cup title since Andres Iniesta’s historic winner against the Netherlands in the 2010 final.
France, meanwhile, will take on the loser of the England versus Argentina semi-final in Saturday’s third-place playoff, with captain Kylian Mbappe hoping to add to his tally in the race for the adidas Golden Boot.