Spain marched into the FIFA World Cup final with a composed 2-0 victory over France in Arlington, Texas, on Tuesday (local time), continuing their recent dominance over Les Bleus and setting up a title clash against either England or Argentina.
The result sends Spain to only their second World Cup final. It also extends their winning run against France to three successive knockout meetings after victories in the UEFA Euro 2024 semi-final and the UEFA Nations League semi-final in 2025.
Oyarzabal, Porro deliver for Spain
Spain took control in the opening half after Mikel Oyarzabal converted a penalty awarded when Lamine Yamal was fouled inside the box.
Pedro Porro doubled the advantage early after the restart, finishing off a flowing move following an exchange with Dani Olmo. The full-back was later named Player of the Match.
Spain controlled possession for long periods and prevented France’s attacking trio of Michael Olise, Kylian Mbappe and Ousmane Dembele from creating sustained pressure.
Goalkeeper Unai Simon made key saves whenever required, while Marc Cucurella produced an important tackle to deny Mbappe.
France struggle as Saliba exits injured
France’s problems began before half-time when central defender William Saliba was forced off with a back injury. Maxence Lacroix replaced him.
Head coach Didier Deschamps introduced Manu Kone for Adrien Rabiot at the interval before later sending on Desire Doue. Rayan Cherki also entered the contest as France searched for a way back.
The changes failed to alter the flow of the match as Spain continued to dictate play.
France were also chasing history. Only Argentina in 1990 and Croatia in 2018 have previously recovered from a half-time deficit to win a World Cup semi-final.
We were below our usual level: Deschamps
Deschamps admitted France were second best and accepted responsibility for the defeat.
“The players are devastated because we had high ambitions, even though we have to admit that today we were a notch below our usual level technically, facing a team that really had a handle on the game,” he said, as quoted by FIFA.
The France coach said technical mistakes proved costly.
“It’s primarily our own fault. We fell short and weren’t as dangerous in attack as we could have been, making a few technical errors on passes that might have led to scoring chances. That’s the reality of the elite level, even if it hurts,” he added.
Spain coach thanks supporters ahead of final
Spain head coach Luis de la Fuente credited the team’s supporters after reaching the final.
“I want to thank a fanbase that is fully behind us. I feel very proud. Let them keep cheering us on, pushing us; we need that encouragement. The hardest step remains,” he said.
He also praised his players.
“We have an exceptional generation of footballers. I am constantly surprised by what this team can do. The margin for improvement is infinite.”
Oyarzabal reaches landmark
Oyarzabal continued his outstanding run for Spain by taking his tally to 18 goals in his last 20 international appearances.
His penalty also made him only the sixth player to score 30 goals for Spain, joining David Villa (59), Raul (44), Fernando Torres (38), Alvaro Morata (37) and David Silva (35).
Spain also equalled Italy’s record of 37 consecutive unbeaten matches.
Meanwhile, France will now play the third-place playoff, while Spain will contest the World Cup final against either England or Argentina on July 19 in East Rutherford.
French President Emmanuel Macron later congratulated Spain and backed his own team despite the defeat.
“Bravo to Spain for this qualification. Thank you to the Bleus for carrying our colours with commitment. Tonight’s defeat is hard to take, but this team is young and full of promise,” he wrote on X.