DALLAS – Spain secured a place in the FIFA World Cup 2026 final with a deserved victory over France at Dallas Stadium, combining disciplined defending with clinical finishing to seal their semi-final success.
La Roja frustrated France throughout the contest by limiting clear scoring opportunities while making the most of their own chances.
The breakthrough came after Lamine Yamal, playing a day after his 19th birthday, reached the ball ahead of Lucas Digne and was brought down inside the penalty area. Mikel Oyarzabal confidently converted the resulting spot-kick, beating goalkeeper Mike Maignan.
Spain doubled their advantage through Pedro Porro, who exchanged a well-worked one-two with Dani Olmo before finishing precisely into the bottom corner to put his side firmly in control.
France, who began the match as slight favourites, threatened through Kylian Mbappe on the counterattack and later introduced Desire Doue and Rayan Cherki in search of a comeback. However, Spain’s defence remained resolute. Goalkeeper Unai Simon was effective as a sweeper-keeper, while Marc Cucurella produced an important challenge to deny Mbappe.
The final whistle confirmed Spain’s place in Sunday’s final at New York New Jersey Stadium, where they will face either England or Argentina.
Spain previously won their only World Cup final appearance in 2010, while France will now compete in Saturday’s third-place playoff.
