Spain secured a place in the final of the 2026 FIFA World Cup after a commanding 2-0 victory over France in Tuesday’s semi-final at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas, producing a disciplined and clinical display against the former world champions.
La Roja controlled much of the contest, enjoying superior possession, creating the clearer scoring opportunities and restricting France’s attacking influence throughout an entertaining encounter watched by a capacity crowd.
Both sides began with intensity, exchanging quick passes and robust challenges in a lively opening spell. France’s Adrien Rabiot was booked in the ninth minute for a reckless tackle, forcing the midfielder to play more cautiously for the remainder of the first half.
Spain made their dominance count in the 22nd minute after winning a penalty following a foul inside the box. Captain Mikel Oyarzabal converted confidently from the spot, sending the goalkeeper the wrong way to hand Spain a deserved lead.
France’s difficulties increased eight minutes later when defender William Saliba was forced off through injury and replaced by Maxence Lacroix. Moments later, Spain defender Marc Cucurella also received a yellow card as the match grew increasingly physical.
Seeking a response after the break, France coach Didier Deschamps introduced Manu Koné for the booked Rabiot to strengthen midfield before replacing Bradley Barcola with Désiré Doué in an attacking switch.
However, Spain struck again almost immediately. In the 58th minute, Pedro Porro latched onto an incisive through ball from Dani Olmo before finishing confidently beyond the French goalkeeper to double his side’s advantage.
Deschamps continued to reshape his team, bringing on Rayan Cherki and Maghnes Akliouche for Michael Olise and Lucas Digne in the 72nd minute, but France struggled to create meaningful openings against Spain’s well-organised defence.
Spain, meanwhile, comfortably managed the closing stages with a series of substitutions. Ferran Torres replaced Oyarzabal, while Mikel Merino and Pedri came on for Olmo and Fabián Ruiz. Marcos Llorente replaced goalscorer Porro, and Nico Williams took the place of Alex Baena.
France captain Kylian Mbappé was booked in the 86th minute following a late challenge, reflecting the growing frustration within the French side as their hopes of reaching another World Cup final faded.
Spain remained composed until the final whistle, completing a deserved victory to advance to the championship match.
“We showed character, discipline and quality when it mattered most,” Spain coach Luis de la Fuente said after guiding his team into the final.
France manager Didier Deschamps acknowledged Spain’s superiority, saying: “We tried everything, but Spain were the better side tonight.”
Spain will now contest the 2026 FIFA World Cup final, while France’s campaign ends at the semi-final stage after being comprehensively outplayed by the tournament’s standout performers.
