Published: July 15, 2026 at 1:47 pm
Spain outplayed France 2-0 and kept another clean sheet in this World Cup as two of the strongest teams faced each other in the first semifinal in Dallas. With this victory over France, Spain became the first finalist of the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Mikel Oyarzabal and Pedro Porro were the goalscorers for Spain, helping them overpower the quality French side.
The first half kicked off with both teams aiming to win the match and seal their spot in the final, moving one step closer to the World Cup trophy. France earned two corners in the first 15 minutes, but the French were unable to capitalize and score the opening goal. Spain also received a free kick but failed to make the most of the opportunity.
Mikel Oyarzabal converted the penalty in the 22nd minute to give Spain a much-needed 1-0 lead in the semifinal. Pics: FIFA
Spain came close to taking the lead early in the match when French defender Lucas Digne fouled Spain’s young star Lamine Yamal, resulting in a penalty for Spain. Mikel Oyarzabal converted the penalty in the 22nd minute to give Spain a much-needed 1-0 lead in the semifinal.
Mikel Oyarzabal has scored 18 goals in his last 20 games for Spain. His penalty made him the sixth man to reach 30 goals for Spain after David Silva (35), Alvaro Morata (37), Fernando Torres (38), Raul (44) and David Villa (59).
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In the 37th minute, Spain had another chance to score their second goal, but the French defenders and goalkeeper combined well to deny them. At the other end, France launched a dangerous counterattack that gave them an opportunity to equalize, but Spain’s goalkeeper, Unai Simón, made an excellent save to preserve the lead, and the first half ended with Spain leading 1-0.
Spain double the advantage
The second half began with both teams showing greater intensity and a more attacking approach. France continued to press, while Spain remained solid in defense.
Spain doubled their advantage when right-back Pedro Porro scored from a Dani Olmo assist, strengthening the Spaniards’ grip on the match. France fought hard throughout the second half, but Kylian Mbappé, Ousmane Dembélé, and the rest of the team were unable to find the back of the net due to Unai Simón’s outstanding goalkeeping.
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At the final whistle, Spain defeated France 2-0, knocking the two-time world champions out of the 2026 FIFA World Cup and booking their place in the final in New York on Sunday (19 July 2026). They emerged triumphant in their only previous appearance in the fixture, Andres Iniesta sinking the Netherlands at Soccer City in 2010.
France marksmen Kylian Mbappé, Ousmane Dembélé, and the rest of the team were unable to find the back of the net due to Unai Simón’s outstanding goalkeeping
Spain kept their sixth clean sheet in seven matches at this tournament. They have conceded just two goals in North America. The record for a triumphant team in a World Cup is two shared by France in 1998, Italy in 2006 and Spain themselves in 2010.
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“We started almost four years ago with an idea, and we’ve been faithful to that idea and it’s brought us here. Today we faced one of the best national teams in the world, but in front of them they had the best team in the world. That is the difference. These players deserve everything. Day after day, they’ve showed their commitment, solidarity, generosity, talent. They make the difficult look easy,” Spain coach Luis de la Fuente told RTVE.
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Luis de la Fuente has guided Spain to the final of every major tournament he has managed, continuing one of the most remarkable starts to an international coaching career. They are UEFA Euro 2024, UEFA Nations League 2025, and FIFA World Cup Final 2026.
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“It’s a dream come true. It’s honestly beyond my wildest dreams. I think we played a great game, did everything we had to do to reach the final. We knew we were up against a really, really tough team. This is the team’s achievement, not mine at all. It’s simply about congratulating everyone because they played a fantastic match,” said Spain’s Pedro Porro.
