European champions Spain produced a commanding display to defeat tournament favourites France 2-0 on Tuesday and book their place in the FIFA 2026 World Cup final.
Goals from Mikel Oyarzabal and Pedro Porro sealed a deserved victory for La Roja, who outclassed Didier Deschamps’ side with a disciplined defensive performance and clinical finishing.
Oyarzabal gives Spain the lead
France, inspired by captain Kylian Mbappe, started brightly and threatened on the counterattack, but Spain broke the deadlock in the 22nd minute.
Teenage sensation Lamine Yamal won a penalty after being brought down inside the box, and Oyarzabal calmly converted from the spot to hand Spain a deserved lead.
Porro seals Spain’s victory
Spain doubled their advantage in the 58th minute when Pedro Porro combined brilliantly with Dani Olmo before firing a low finish into the bottom corner.
France responded by introducing Desire Doue and Rayan Cherki, but Spain’s defence stood firm throughout the closing stages.
Goalkeeper Unai Simon produced another assured display, while Marc Cucurella made a crucial challenge to deny Mbappe as France struggled to break down the European champions.
Spain await England or Argentina
The victory sends Spain into their first World Cup final since winning the tournament in 2010, as they bid to lift football’s biggest prize for only the second time in their history.
La Roja will face the winners of Wednesday’s blockbuster semi-final between England and defending champions Argentina.
France, meanwhile, will take on the losers of that encounter in Saturday’s third-place playoff after their bid for a third World Cup title came to an end.
Join BusinessDay whatsapp Channel, to stay up to date
Open In Whatsapp
