Spain defeat France 2-0 to reach final of FIFA World Cup 2026

Arlington (Web Desk): Spain secured a convincing 2-0 victory over France on Tuesday, to book their place in the FIFA World Cup final where they will meet either England or Argentina.

Heading into the last-four clash, Didier Deschamps' side had been widely tipped to lift the trophy after a series of dazzling performances throughout the tournament in the United States.

However, the European champions proved too organised and too efficient, outclassing the French attack to stay on course for global glory.

Spain took control of the contest in the opening half at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas, when Mikel Oyarzabal confidently converted a penalty. Pedro Porro then wrapped up the result after the interval with a superbly crafted finish, leaving France with no route back into the match.

The turning point arrived midway through the first half when referee Ivan Barton awarded Spain a spot-kick after France full-back Lucas Digne recklessly brought down young winger Lamine Yamal inside the penalty area. Oyarzabal calmly dispatched the penalty beyond goalkeeper Mike Maignan, netting his fifth goal of the World Cup and handing France their first deficit of the tournament.

France's problems intensified moments later as central defender William Saliba was forced off after aggravating his lower back injury. Maxence Lacroix came on to replace the Arsenal defender.

Spain continued to dictate the tempo and nearly doubled their advantage following a slick passing move, but Dayot Upamecano stepped in with a vital challenge to prevent Fabian Ruiz from finishing.

France struggled badly in attack before the break, failing to test the Spanish goalkeeper with a single shot on target while managing only two attempts in total.

Looking to spark a revival, Deschamps introduced Desire Doue in place of Bradley Barcola in the 57th minute. The change had barely taken effect when Spain struck again. A sharp exchange between Pedro Porro and Dani Olmo carved open the French defence before Porro collected the return pass and coolly slotted the ball past Maignan to make it 2-0.

With time running out, Deschamps turned to Theo Hernandez and Rayan Cherki after the second hydration break in a final effort to rescue the contest. Spain, however, remained disciplined at the back, shutting down every French attack and comfortably protecting their lead until the final whistle.

Luis de la Fuente's side has now conceded only one goal throughout the competition, combining defensive resilience with the attacking brilliance of Lamine Yamal. Spain now stands just one victory away from lifting the first-ever 48-team FIFA World Cup and equalling the achievement of the country's 2010 world champions.

The defeat ends an impressive World Cup journey for France, whose performances across Canada, Mexico and the United States had thrilled supporters. Les Bleus had reached the previous two World Cup finals, winning the title in Russia in 2018 before suffering a penalty shootout defeat to Lionel Messi's Argentina in Qatar despite Kylian Mbappe's memorable hat-trick.

Mbappe led another star-studded French frontline alongside Ballon d'Or winner Ousmane Dembele and the creative Michael Olise, but the trio found no answer to Spain's disciplined defensive display.

France must now settle for the third-place play-off, while head coach Didier Deschamps prepares to bring the curtain down on his 14-year spell in charge after the tournament.

Attention now shifts to Wednesday's second semi-final in Atlanta, where England and Argentina will renew one of football's fiercest rivalries for the remaining place in the World Cup final.