Spain booked their place in the final of the 2026 FIFA World Cup after producing a composed and tactically disciplined performance to defeat France 2-0 in Tuesday’s semi-final at Dallas Stadium.
Luis de la Fuente’s side outclassed Les Bleus with an impressive display of technical quality and defensive organisation to set up a final showdown against either England or Argentina in New Jersey on Sunday.
After a cautious opening, Spain took the lead in the 22nd minute from the penalty spot following a foul on teenage sensation Lamine Yamal.
The winger was caught by Lucas Digne while attempting to reach a loose ball inside the penalty area, prompting referee Ivan Barton to award a spot-kick.
Mikel Oyarzabal made no mistake from 12 yards, calmly sending goalkeeper Mike Maignan the wrong way to give La Roja a deserved advantage.
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France suffered another setback just before the half-hour mark when influential defender William Saliba was forced off through injury and replaced by Maxence Lacroix.
Didier Deschamps’ men enjoyed more possession as the first half progressed but struggled to create clear-cut chances against a well-organised Spanish defence, with goalkeeper Unai Simón largely untroubled.
France made further tactical adjustments at the start of the second half, introducing Manu Koné for the booked Adrien Rabiot before Désiré Doué replaced Bradley Barcola in a bid to inject more attacking threat.
Despite the changes, Spain remained the better side and doubled their advantage in the 58th minute.
Pedro Porro combined brilliantly with Dani Olmo in a swift one-two before firing a low shot beyond Maignan to make it 2-0 and put the European side firmly in control.
France responded by pushing forward in search of a comeback, with Kylian Mbappé, Doué and Ousmane Dembélé all testing Simón. However, the Spanish goalkeeper dealt comfortably with their efforts as Spain’s disciplined backline continued to frustrate the French attack.
The victory sends Spain into their first FIFA World Cup final since lifting the trophy in South Africa in 2010.
France, meanwhile, will now turn their attention to the third-place playoff in Miami, where they will seek to end their campaign on a positive note.
Spain will face the winner of the second semi-final between England and Argentina in Sunday’s World Cup final in New Jersey.