- La Rojas await Argentina or England
Spain booked their place in the 2026 FIFA World Cup final on Tuesday night after defeating tournament favourites France 2-0 at the AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas, ending Les Bleus’ quest for a third world title.
Mikel Oyarzabal gave Spain the lead from the penalty spot in the first half before Pedro Porro doubled the advantage midway through the second half. Spain dominated the midfield throughout the contest, denying France’s star-studded attack of Kylian Mbappé, Ousmane Dembélé, Bradley Barcola and Michael Olise the time and space needed to make an impact.
The Spaniards controlled the game through the influence of Rodri, Fabián Ruiz and Dani Olmo, who consistently outplayed France’s midfield duo of Adrien Rabiot and Aurélien Tchouaméni. Rabiot was booked after nine minutes for a foul on Olmo, while Mbappé’s best early opportunity was thwarted by a crucial last-ditch block from Pau Cubarsí. Spain, however, remained in control of possession and territory for much of the encounter.
The breakthrough came in the 20th minute when Lucas Digne caught Lamine Yamal with a clumsy attempted clearance inside the box. Referee Iván Barton pointed to the spot without hesitation, and Oyarzabal sent Mike Maignan the wrong way from 12 yards.
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France’s afternoon worsened when defender William Saliba was withdrawn injured after 31 minutes, replaced by Maxence Lacroix. Spain almost extended their lead before the break — Dayot Upamecano cleared off the line to deny Fabián Ruiz — while at the other end, Unai Simón produced a smart save to keep out Mbappé after a clever ball from Rabiot.
Spain reasserted control after the restart, and their second goal arrived in the 58th minute through a one-two between Porro and Olmo that carved open France’s defence, with Porro finishing calmly past Maignan. Yamal thought he had made it three minutes later, but the goal was ruled out for offside.
Didier Deschamps turned to his bench in search of an equaliser, but France could not break down a well-organised Spanish defence, with Simón again denying Mbappé from close range.
Mbappé’s frustration boiled over in stoppage time when he was booked for a follow-through on the Spain goalkeeper.
Spain, European champions and World Cup winners in 2010, now await the winner of Wednesday’s semi-final between Argentina and England, with the final set for Sunday at New York New Jersey Stadium.
