Spain defeated France 2-0 on Tuesday to reach the 2026 FIFA World Cup final after a dominant semi-final display at AT&T Stadium, Arlington, Texas, USA.
Spain controlled possession, created better opportunities and limited France’s attacking threat throughout an entertaining contest.
Both teams started brightly, with intense challenges and quick passing, as the packed stadium produced a vibrant atmosphere from the opening whistle.
France suffered an early setback when Adrien Rabiot received a yellow card in the ninth minute for a reckless tackle.
The caution forced Rabiot to play cautiously, while Spain continued pressing forward with confidence and purpose against the French defence.
Spain took the lead in the 22nd minute after winning a penalty following a foul inside the area.
Mikel Oyarzabal calmly converted from the spot, sending the goalkeeper the wrong way to give Spain a deserved 1-0 advantage.
France’s problems deepened in the 30th minute when William Saliba limped off injured and was replaced by Maxence Lacroix.
Spain defender, Marc Cucurella, entered the referee’s notebook a minute later after committing a foul during an increasingly physical encounter.
France resumed strongly after the interval, with coach Didier Deschamps introducing Manu Kone for the booked Rabiot to reinforce midfield.
Deschamps made another attacking substitution in the 57th minute, replacing Bradley Barcola with Desire Doue in search of an equaliser.
Spain doubled their advantage one minute later through Pedro Porro after an excellent through ball from Dani Olmo.
Porro finished confidently beyond the goalkeeper, prompting jubilant celebrations from Spain’s bench while France struggled to recover from the setback.
Deschamps responded in the 72nd minute by introducing Rayan Cherki and Maghnes Akliouche for Michael Olise and Lucas Digne.
Spain refreshed their side with Ferran Torres replacing Oyarzabal before Mikel Merino and Pedri came on for Olmo and Fabian Ruiz.
Marcos Llorente replaced goalscorer Porro, while Nico Williams came on for Alex Baena as Spain comfortably managed the closing stages.
France captain, Kylian Mbappe, received a yellow card in the 86th minute following a late challenge as frustration mounted.
Spain defended resolutely until the final whistle, frustrating France and ensuring their World Cup dream ended in the semi-finals.
“We showed character, discipline and quality when it mattered most,” Spain’s coach, Luis de la Fuente, reflected after sealing a deserved place in the World Cup final.“We tried everything, but Spain were the better side tonight,” Deschamps acknowledged after their hopes of reaching another World Cup final ended.
