By Lukman OMIKUNLE
Spain defeated France 2-0 in the FIFA World Cup 2026 semi-final, with goals from Mikel Oyarzabal and Pedro Porro sending La Roja into Sunday’s final against either England or Argentina
Spain Shut Out France to Reach World Cup Final, Set Up Date With England or Argentina
Spain produced a disciplined and clinical performance to defeat France 2-0 on Tuesday night and book their place in the FIFA World Cup 2026 final, where they will face either England or Argentina.
Goals from Mikel Oyarzabal and Pedro Porro at Dallas Stadium sealed a deserved victory for Luis de la Fuente’s side, who frustrated France with resolute defending before punishing Didier Deschamps’ men at the other end.
La Roja will now chase a second World Cup title when they take to the field in Sunday’s final at New York New Jersey Stadium, having last lifted the trophy in 2010 when Andrés Iniesta’s extra-time strike defeated the Netherlands in Johannesburg.
France entered the semi-final as slight favourites, with Kylian Mbappé posing an early threat on the counterattack. However, it was Spain who created the first clear opening after teenage sensation Lamine Yamal, playing a day after his 19th birthday, beat Lucas Digne to the ball before being brought down inside the penalty area.
Oyarzabal stepped up and calmly converted the resulting spot-kick, beating France goalkeeper Mike Maignan, renowned for his penalty-saving ability, to hand Spain the breakthrough.
Spain doubled their advantage soon after through Pedro Porro, who exchanged a slick one-two with Dani Olmo before driving a composed finish into the bottom corner to leave France with a mountain to climb.
Deschamps responded by introducing Désiré Doué and Rayan Cherki as France searched for a route back into the contest, but Spain’s defensive organisation proved too strong.
Goalkeeper Unai Simón repeatedly swept up danger outside his area, while Marc Cucurella produced a crucial challenge to deny Mbappé as France struggled to create clear-cut opportunities.
The final whistle sparked jubilant celebrations among the Spanish players and supporters, while France were left to contemplate a third-place playoff on Saturday, where Mbappé will also have another opportunity to strengthen his bid for the tournament’s Golden Boot.
Oyarzabal’s opening goal further underlined his remarkable international form. The striker has now scored 18 goals in his last 20 appearances for Spain, while his penalty against France took his international tally to 30 goals, making him only the sixth player to reach that milestone for the national team after David Silva (35), Álvaro Morata (37), Fernando Torres (38), Raúl (44) and David Villa (59).
Spain’s victory also highlighted the strength of their defence. The clean sheet was their sixth in seven matches at the tournament, with just two goals conceded throughout their World Cup campaign in North America.
Should Spain keep another clean sheet in the final, they would match the record for the fewest goals conceded by a World Cup-winning nation, equalling the achievements of France in 1998, Italy in 2006 and Spain’s own title-winning team in 2010.
