ARLINGTON, Texas — Spain booked their place in Sunday’s World Cup final after dismantling France 2-0.
World Cup 2026
In a semifinal billed as a 50-50 between two European heavyweights, Spain dominated for the majority of the game and more than deserved their victory.
Forward Mikel Oyarzabal put manager Luis de la Fuente’s Spain team ahead in the 20th minute from the penalty spot after France left back Lucas Digne was penalized for inadvertently kicking Lamine Yamal in the box. It was one of a number of mistakes that littered a dismal first-half performance from France.
Didier Deschamps, who will step down as the French coach after the tournament, was dealt another blow 10 minutes later when Arsenal center back William Saliba was forced off with a back injury.
Match Details
France, winners in 2018 and runners-up in 2022, were briefly better after the break, but any momentum was killed by Spain’s second goal.
Spain right back Pedro Porro played a delightful one-two with midfielder Dani Olmo before he calmly slotted his finish past goalkeeper Mike Maignan.
For all of France’s attacking talent, they ended the game with an expected goals (xG) total of just 0.3 as Spain, the reigning European champions, reached their second World Cup final and first since lifting the trophy in 2010.
Tournament Impact
England or Argentina, who play in the second semifinal in Atlanta on Wednesday, await. — Rob Dawson
Tournament favorites France collapse
In games like tonight’s, you’re reminded that it’s a team sport. Get your approach right, and the whole becomes greater than the sum of its parts. Spain played to their strengths — technical ability up and down the side — or, more aptly, used them to nullify France’s strengths. On Bastille Day, it was Les Bleus who were overrun.
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