By Opeyemi Adelakun
Spain produced a disciplined and clinical display to defeat France 2-0 on Tuesday night, booking a place in the 2026 FIFA World Cup final and ending Les Bleus’ hopes of lifting a third global title.
The European champions outclassed Didier Deschamps’ star-studded side in Arlington, Texas, combining defensive solidity with attacking precision to set up a final showdown against either England or Argentina.
France entered the semifinal as one of the tournament favourites after an impressive run powered by attacking stars including Kylian Mbappe, Ousmane Dembele and Michael Olise. However, they struggled to break down a well-organised Spanish side that conceded little throughout the contest.
Spain took the lead midway through the first half after referee Ivan Barton awarded a penalty following a rash challenge by France defender Lucas Digne on teenage winger Lamine Yamal.
Captain Mikel Oyarzabal calmly converted from the spot, beating goalkeeper Mike Maignan to score his fifth goal of the tournament and hand Spain the advantage.
France’s problems deepened shortly afterwards when centre-back William Saliba was forced off with a recurring lower back injury, disrupting the team’s defensive structure.
Despite dominating possession and creating several promising attacking moves, Spain were unable to add a second goal before halftime. France, meanwhile, failed to register a shot on target during the opening 45 minutes.
Deschamps introduced Desire Doue early in the second half in search of an attacking spark, but Spain struck again almost immediately.
A slick passing move involving Dani Olmo released defender Pedro Porro, who finished confidently past Maignan to double Spain’s lead and leave France facing an uphill battle.
Further substitutions, including the introduction of Theo Hernandez and Rayan Cherki, failed to change the course of the match as Spain comfortably controlled proceedings to the final whistle.
The victory sends Spain into the World Cup final, where they will chase a second world title after their triumph in South Africa in 2010 and become the first winners of the expanded 48-team tournament.
For France, the defeat ends another World Cup campaign in disappointment after reaching the previous two finals. Deschamps, who is expected to leave his role after the tournament following 14 years in charge, will now lead his team into the third-place playoff.
Speaking after the victory, Porro described reaching the final as “a dream come true.”
“This is all down to the team. We knew we had to keep the ball and stop them from playing to their strengths. Everyone played brilliantly and we’re delighted to be in the final,” he said.
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