Key Takeaways:
- Spain defeated France 2-0 to reach their second FIFA World Cup final, their first since 2010
- Mikel Oyarzabal opened the scoring in the 22nd minute after Lamine Yamal won a penalty
- La Roja maintained a sixth clean sheet in seven matches to set up a final against England or Argentina
Match Analysis
Spain produced an assured performance to dispatch France 2-0 and secure their place in the FIFA World Cup final for only the second time in the nation’s history. Their victory in this semi-final marks their first knockout stage win since their triumphant 2010 campaign.
Both sides approached the opening exchanges cautiously, but it was Spain who asserted themselves with superior possession and composure. France nearly broke through when Ousmane Dembele threaded the ball to Kylian Mbappe, yet superb defending from Pau Cubarsi, Pedro Porro and Aymeric Laporte thwarted the attack.
Spain are one step closer to glory 🇪🇸#FIFAWorldCup
— FIFA World Cup (@FIFAWorldCup) July 14, 2026
Key Moments and Tactical Shifts
The breakthrough arrived when Lamine Yamal dispossessed Lucas Digne and was subsequently fouled, earning a spot-kick in the 22nd minute. Mikel Oyarzabal stepped up and finished coolly to put Spain ahead moments before a scheduled hydration break. Another setback for France soon followed with William Saliba limping off due to injury.
Spain continued to threaten after capitalising on a misplaced pass from Mike Maignan, requiring a crucial intervention from Dayot Upamecano to deny Fabian Ruiz. France tried to respond, as Unai Simon rushed out to prevent Adrien Rabiot’s through ball reaching Mbappe.
Didier Deschamps introduced Manu Kone for the second half restart and Desire Doue in the 57th minute, but their impact was limited. Within minutes, Pedro Porro combined with Dani Olmo to score La Roja’s second, calmly slotting past Maignan for his second international goal.
Lamine Yamal briefly believed he had extended Spain’s lead, only for his goal to be ruled out for offside. France created opportunities through Aurelien Tchouaméni, who flicked over, and Marc Cucurella, who deflected a Mbappe effort wide, but could not find a breakthrough.
Defensive Solidity and Historic Benchmarks
Spain re-established their authority as Ferran Torres narrowly headed wide. Despite a late scare when Simon mishandled a header, Doue failed to capitalise, ensuring Spain’s sixth clean sheet from seven matches in this tournament. The result seals a World Cup final clash against either England or Argentina.
In a notable milestone, this is the first final in the last three tournaments not to feature France, with Didier Deschamps presiding over his 26th match as a World Cup manager – a competition record.
