Spain is heading to the FIFA World Cup 2026 Final after defeating France 2-0 in a commanding semi-final performance, ending Les Bleus’ dream of reaching a third consecutive finalist.
France looked unusually nervous from the opening stages at the stadium in Arlington, with inaccurate passing and risky build-up play allowing Spain to dictate the tempo.
Adrien Rabiot was booked as early as the 10th minute before France’s difficult start became even worse in the 22nd minute.
Lucas Digne took too long to clear the ball and failed to notice Lamine Yamal closing rapidly from behind. The Spanish teenager stole possession before being brought down by Digne inside the penalty area.
The referee immediately pointed to the spot. Oyarzabal stepped forward and converted the penalty to give Spain a 1-0 lead.
France then suffered another setback when William Saliba, who had been struggling with a back problem during the tournament, was forced off and replaced by Maxence Lacroix.
Spain continued to threaten. Álex Baena appeared close to winning another penalty following a dangerous challenge from Mike Maignan, but the move was ruled offside.
Dayot Upamecano then produced a crucial intervention to prevent Spain from doubling their advantage before half-time.
Didier Deschamps reacted at the interval by introducing Manu Koné for Rabiot, while Désiré Doué replaced Bradley Barcola as France attempted to regain control.
However, Spain struck again. In the 58th minute, Pedro Porro combined brilliantly with Dani Olmo before finishing the move to make it 2-0.
Just two minutes later, Yamal appeared to have added a third after beating Digne, but France were rescued by the assistant referee’s offside flag.
Kylian Mbappé attempted to lead the French response, testing Spain from a tight angle as Les Bleus desperately searched for a way back into the contest.
Deschamps played his final cards by introducing Théo Hernandez and Rayan Cherki, but Spain remained organised and disciplined.
Cherki attempted to unlock the Spanish defence, Hernandez made dangerous forward runs, while Ousmane Dembélé and Mbappé threatened from set pieces in the closing stages.
Spain protected their two-goal advantage until the final whistle, securing a 2-0 victory and ending France’s hopes of reaching a third successive World Cup final.
For France, the defeat also marked another painful chapter against La Roja, with Les Bleus now eliminated by Spain in the semi-finals of a major competition for the third consecutive time.
It also brought a disappointing end to Didier Deschamps’ final World Cup campaign as France head coach.
La Roja will contest the FIFA World Cup 2026 Final on July 19, with the opportunity to complete a remarkable European Championship–World Cup double and repeat one of the greatest achievements in Spanish football history.
Credit Photo : RFEF
