Spain booked their place in the 2026 FIFA World Cup final with a 2-0 victory over France in Tuesday’s semi-final at Arlington, Texas.
Mikel Oyarzabal opened the scoring from the penalty spot after Lucas Digne fouled Lamine Yamal, before Pedro Porro doubled La Roja’s advantage in the second half, finishing off a flowing move orchestrated by Dani Olmo.
Oyarzabal Converts, Porro Seals It
Oyarzabal converted from the spot in the 22nd minute after referee Ivan Barton awarded Spain a penalty for Digne’s challenge on Yamal. It marked Oyarzabal’s fifth goal of the tournament and the first time either side had trailed during their World Cup campaign.
Spain tightened their grip on the contest when Porro finished off a slick passing move in the 58th minute, leaving France chasing the game for the remainder of the contest.
The win sends Spain into Sunday’s World Cup final, where they will face the winners of Wednesday’s second semi-final between England and Argentina. France, who were chasing a third consecutive World Cup final appearance, struggled to break down Spain’s disciplined defence as Luis de la Fuente’s side continued their impressive run to the tournament’s showpiece match.
FIFA: Spain “Deservedly” Won
A post-match report on FIFA’s official website said Spain frustrated France at one end and punished them at the other to deservedly win their World Cup 2026 semi-final at Dallas Stadium. The report credited La Roja’s disciplined defending for limiting France’s chances, while Oyarzabal and Porro’s goals settled the contest.
Spain will now face the England-Argentina winners at New York New Jersey Stadium on Sunday. It will be only Spain’s second appearance in a World Cup final, following their 2010 triumph over the Netherlands, sealed by an Andres Iniesta goal at Soccer City.
France entered the match as slight favourites, and Kylian Mbappe threatened on the counter-attack, but it was Yamal who created the game’s first big opening. A day after turning 19, the winger beat Digne to the ball and was clipped inside the box, with Oyarzabal converting the resulting penalty past Mike Maignan, a noted penalty-saving specialist.
Porro’s Second-Half Strike Puts the Game Out of Reach
Tension remained high deep into the seven minutes of stoppage time, though the result had effectively been settled in the 58th minute by Tottenham defender Pedro Porro. According to FIFA’s report, Porro’s advantage came after a one-two exchange with Dani Olmo, with Porro finishing impeccably into the bottom corner.
France brought on Desire Doue and Rayan Cherki in search of a way back into the game, but goalkeeper Unai Simon played astutely as a sweeper-keeper, and Marc Cucurella produced a crucial challenge to deny Mbappe.
The final whistle brought celebration for Spain and heartbreak for France. Didier Deschamps’ side will now play for bronze on Saturday, a match in which Mbappe could still boost his hopes of claiming the tournament’s Golden Boot.
