Spain has reached the final of the 2026 FIFA World Cup after edging France 2-0 in the first semi final on Tuesday night and making their only second World Cup final in the nation’s history.
Goals from Mikel Oyarzabal and Pedro Porro sent La Roja through to Sunday’s Sunday’s title deciding showpiece, ending France’s hopes of reaching a third consecutive FIFA World Cup final in commanding fashion.
France’s bid for another appearance in the final was dashed by a dazzling Spanish side that scored in either half to secure victory, while preventing the tournament’s most potent attack from finding the back of the net for the first time in the competition.
The victory continued Spain’s remarkable run at the tournament, with Luis de la Fuente’s side maintaining their reputation as one of the competition’s most balanced teams by combining attacking quality with defensive discipline.
Spain’s possession based approach once again proved decisive as they controlled large spells of the contest, limiting France’s opportunities and dictating the tempo from midfield.
Their defensive solidity has been one of the defining features of their campaign, with La Roja now keeping six clean sheets in seven matches and conceding only once, in their 2-1 quarter final victory over Belgium.
Oyarzabal Converts as Spain Take Control
Spain’s breakthrough arrived in the first half when Mikel Oyarzabal calmly converted from the penalty spot for his fifth goal of the tournament in the 22nd minute.
The penalty was awarded after Lucas Digne, focused on clearing the ball, inadvertently caught Lamine Yamal, who had pressed the French defender from his blind side and the referee wasted no time pointing to the spot after the challenge.
Oyarzabal stepped forward with confidence and powered his effort beyond goalkeeper Mike Maignan.
Although the French keeper guessed the right direction, the power and elevation of the strike left him with no chance of making the save.
Pedro Porro Seals Victory
France attempted to respond after the break, with Kylian Mbappe and Ousmane Dembele trying to inspire a comeback, but Spain’s organised defence remained composed under pressure.
Midway through the second half, Pedro Porro effectively sealed the contest after finishing off a well worked team move. The full back timed his run perfectly before placing his effort beyond the onrushing Maignan to double Spain’s advantage and put the result beyond doubt.
Spain continued to dominate possession during the closing stages, frustrating the French side and denying Didier Deschamps’ men any route back into the match. France, who had been among the tournament’s highest scoring teams, failed to score for the first time in the competition.
The result also extended Spain’s impressive defensive record, underlining why they have emerged as one of the favourites to lift the trophy.
Historic Night for La Roja
The victory means Spain will play in their second ever FIFA World Cup final and their first since winning the tournament in South Africa in 2010, ending a 16 year wait for another appearance.
Before kick off, Spain had already created history by naming both Lamine Yamal and Pau Cubarsi in the starting lineup. In doing so, they became the first nation to start two teenagers in a FIFA World Cup semi final.
Both youngsters justified their selection with outstanding performances. Yamal’s relentless pressing won the penalty that gave Spain the lead, while Cubarsi produced a composed display in central defence, helping to neutralise France’s dangerous attacking line.
Spain finished the match with greater control in possession and looked the more complete side throughout, demonstrating the tactical discipline that has characterised their run to the final.
La Roja will now face either England or Argentina in Sunday’s FIFA World Cup final as they chase a second world title. Victory would make Spain only the ninth nation to win multiple FIFA World Cup trophies.
France, meanwhile, must quickly regroup as they prepare for Saturday’s third place playoff against the losers of the second semi final between England and Argentina.
Despite falling short of another final, Les Bleus remain one of the tournament’s standout teams after another impressive campaign, but their dream of becoming the first nation since Germany (1982, 1986 and 1990) and Brazil (1994, 1998 and 2002) to reach three consecutive World Cup finals came to an end against an exceptional Spanish side.
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