Spain reach World Cup final after dominant semi-final win over France

Spain have reached the World Cup final for the first time since 2010, beating France 2-0 in a commanding semi-final performance at Dallas Stadium on Tuesday, 14 July 2026.

Goals from Mikel Oyarzabal and Pedro Porro secured victory for Luis de la Fuente's side, who will face either England or Argentina in New Jersey on Sunday.

Oyarzabal opened the scoring in the 22nd minute from the penalty spot after France left-back Lucas Digne fouled winger Lamine Yamal. Oyarzabal's fifth goal of the tournament was struck confidently into the corner.

Spain doubled their advantage in the 58th minute when Porro combined with Dani Olmo before slotting home at the near post. It was the full-back's second goal of the competition.

France centre-back William Saliba was forced off injured shortly after Spain's opener, compounding a difficult evening for Didier Deschamps' side. France, appearing in their third consecutive semi-final, managed just three shots on target and none in the first 80 minutes.

Spain's defence remained the standout feature of the performance. The side has conceded just once in seven matches at this tournament, a run that included goalkeeper Unai Simon making a crucial clearance to deny Kylian Mbappe.

Captain Rodri was influential in midfield, continuing his recovery from a long-term anterior cruciate ligament injury. He was supported by Fabian Ruiz, who was preferred to Barcelona's Pedri in the starting line-up.

France will play in Saturday's third-place play-off, a match that will mark the end of Deschamps' 14-year reign as head coach. Mbappe, the tournament's leading marksman, will have a further opportunity to pursue the Golden Boot in that fixture.

Spain now await the outcome of the second semi-final between England and Argentina, played in Atlanta. Should Argentina progress, forward Yamal has said facing Lionel Messi's side would fulfil a personal ambition.

In an interview with Mundo Deportivo published on 9 July 2026, the Barcelona player said he hoped to meet Argentina in the final and named Messi as the player with whom he would most like to exchange shirts.

Spain, European champions in 2024, are seeking only their second World Cup title, having previously won the tournament in South Africa in 2010. Argentina, by contrast, are chasing a second consecutive World Cup, a feat last achieved by Brazil in 1962.