For France, the dream of making history is over. For Spain, another shot at football immortality awaits.
In a thrilling World Cup semi-final that lived up to its billing, Spain produced a composed and dominant performance to defeat France 2-0, booking their place in the 2026 FIFA World Cup final and ending Les Bleus’ hopes of reaching a third consecutive final.
The match began with both European giants searching for an early breakthrough, but it was Spain who seized the moment when it mattered most. In the 22nd minute, teenage sensation Lamine Yamal won a penalty after being brought down inside the box by Lucas Digne. Mikel Oyarzabal stepped up with remarkable composure, calmly sending the goalkeeper the wrong way to score his fifth goal of the tournament and hand La Roja a deserved lead.
France, led by captain Kylian Mbappé, responded with urgency after the break, but Spain’s disciplined defence and intelligent midfield control denied Didier Deschamps’ men the space they needed to create clear scoring opportunities.
Any hopes of a French comeback were effectively crushed in the 58th minute when Dani Olmo threaded a brilliant pass into the path of Pedro Porro, who finished confidently to double Spain’s advantage and send their supporters into celebration.
From that moment, Spain expertly controlled possession, frustrating France at every turn and refusing to allow the former world champions a route back into the contest.
The victory not only sends Spain into Sunday’s World Cup final but also reinforces their status as one of the tournament’s most complete and entertaining teams. Standing between them and football’s greatest prize is the winner of the second semi-final between England and Argentina.
For France, the defeat marks a painful end to another impressive World Cup campaign. Despite boasting world-class talent and entering the tournament as one of the favourites, Les Bleus were unable to find the breakthrough when it mattered most.
Now, Spain stand just one victory away from lifting the most coveted trophy in world football, while millions of fans eagerly await one final chapter in an unforgettable tournament.
