Spain Outclass Favourites France 2-0 to Reach 2026 World Cup Final

European champions Spain delivered a commanding tactical and technical performance to defeat tournament favourites France 2-0 in their World Cup semi-final at the AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas on Tuesday. Goals from Mikel Oyarzabal and Pedro Porro in each half secured Spain's place in Sunday's final in New Jersey, where they will face either Argentina or England.

Spanish Midfield Overpowers French Duo

Spain, who had beaten France in their two previous competitive meetings, vowed to take the initiative before kick-off and stayed true to their word. A midfield anchored by Manchester City's Rodri, with support from Fabian Ruiz and Dani Olmo, quickly overran the French pairing of Adrien Rabiot and Aurélien Tchouameni.

The Spanish passing precision left France's midfield duo outnumbered and unable to gain a foothold. Early signs of French frustration surfaced in the ninth minute when Rabiot received a booking for standing on Olmo's foot near the edge of the penalty area.

Despite Spain's early control, France looked the more dangerous side when pushing into the final third. A vital block by Pau Cubarsi in the 16th minute denied Kylian Mbappé as the French captain attempted to break through on goal.

Oyarzabal Converts Penalty Opener

Spain's dominance was rewarded in the 20th minute. A cross from Marc Cucurella swept across the penalty area, and Lucas Digne's attempted headed clearance lacked conviction. The Aston Villa defender instinctively swung a leg and caught Yamal, sending the Barcelona star to the ground.

El Salvadoran referee Ivan Barton immediately pointed to the penalty spot. After a brief delay as French players protested, Oyarzabal stepped up and swept the ball past goalkeeper Mike Maignan to give Spain a deserved lead.

France's difficult start worsened in the 31st minute when central defender William Saliba was forced off through injury, replaced by Maxence Lacroix. Spain nearly doubled their advantage seven minutes later with a sweeping passing move that carved open the French defence, only for Dayot Upamecano's block to deny Fabian Ruiz.

France enjoyed their most promising spell in the closing minutes of the first half, with Rabiot's clever through ball nearly picking out Mbappé, but Spain goalkeeper Unai Simon read the danger expertly to avert the threat.

Porro Doubles Spain's Advantage

Spain reasserted their authority at the start of the second half, with France coach Didier Deschamps unable to adjust his tactics to stem the Spanish midfield's control. The decisive second goal arrived in the 58th minute when Porro and Olmo combined in a brilliant one-two on the edge of the area. Porro burst through and clipped a fine finish past Maignan.

Spain thought they had added a third in the 61st minute when Yamal found the net, but a marginal offside decision ruled the effort out. Deschamps introduced a series of substitutions in search of a response, but France could not penetrate Spain's resolute defence.

France's best opportunity fell to Mbappé, whose shot was blocked at the near post by Simon. The frustration of the evening was encapsulated in the closing minutes when Mbappé was booked for following through on the Spanish goalkeeper as Spain comfortably closed out the victory.

Coaches React to Semi-Final Outcome

Spain coach Luis de la Fuente was full of praise for his side, declaring: "Today we faced one of the best national teams in the world, but in front of them they had the best team in the world. That is different."

Deschamps, who is stepping down as France coach after the tournament, conceded that his team had been second best. "The players are devastated because we had a lot of ambition, even though we also have to be realistic and acknowledge that today we were a notch below on the technical level against a team that controlled the game well," he said.

France had entered the semi-final as overwhelming favourites following a prolific run to the last four. However, their vaunted attacking quartet of Mbappé, Ballon d'Or winner Ousmane Dembélé, Bradley Barcola and Michael Olise was nullified by a combination of Spanish composure and physicality.

Spain, World Cup winners in 2010, now stand one victory away from adding a second world title to their collection. Their opponents in the final will be determined when Argentina and England meet in the other semi-final.

What did you make of Spain's performance against the tournament favourites? Can they go all the way and lift the trophy in New Jersey? Share this article with your friends and join the conversation with your predictions for Sunday's final.

Source: France 24 – English