Spain reached the FIFA World Cup 2026 final after a commanding 2-0 victory over France in their semifinal clash at Dallas Stadium. Mikel Oyarzabal opened the scoring from the penalty spot in the 22nd minute, before Pedro Porro doubled the lead in the 58th minute to complete one of Spain’s most impressive performances of the tournament.
The match was expected to be a tight battle between two of Europe’s strongest sides, but Spain quickly took control through their midfield structure and calm possession game. France entered the semifinal with major attacking talent, including Kylian Mbappé, Ousmane Dembélé and Michael Olise, but they struggled to build rhythm against Spain’s organised pressing and compact defensive shape.
Spain’s breakthrough came midway through the first half. Lamine Yamal attacked the French penalty area after a loose defensive moment, and Lucas Digne’s challenge led to a penalty. After the referee confirmed the decision, Oyarzabal stepped up and converted with composure in the 22nd minute, giving Spain a 1-0 lead and changing the emotional direction of the match.
France tried to respond, but their first-half performance lacked intensity and clarity. Spain controlled central areas, slowed France’s transitions and limited Mbappé’s opportunities to attack open space. La Roja did not just defend the lead; they used possession to reduce France’s ability to create momentum.
The second half followed a similar pattern. France needed to take more risks, but Spain remained patient and punished the gaps that began to appear. In the 58th minute, Pedro Porro surged into space on the right side after a sharp attacking exchange involving Dani Olmo. Porro finished calmly past Mike Maignan to make it 2-0 and put Spain firmly in control.
After the second goal, France pushed forward, but Spain managed the game with maturity. Mbappé had a few late moments, yet France never truly looked capable of turning the match around. Spain’s defensive line stayed composed, while their midfield continued to dictate the tempo.
From a tactical perspective, Spain’s win was built on control, discipline and intelligent pressing. They stopped France from using their greatest weapon: speed in transition. France, meanwhile, looked surprisingly flat in attack and struggled to find solutions once Spain took the lead.
With this result, Spain advance to the World Cup final, where they will face Argentina in a huge clash between two football giants. France are eliminated from title contention and will play England in the third-place playoff. For Spain, this semifinal was more than a win; it was a statement that they may now be the most complete team left in the tournament.