FIFA World Cup 2026: France gored 2-0 by Spain as La Roja marches in final for second time
Texas, July 15
Spain defeated France 2-0 in the FIFA World Cup semi-final in Arlington, Texas, on Tuesday, extending their winning streak against Les Bleus to three matches after victories in the UEFA Euro 2024 semi-finals and the 2025 UEFA Nations League semi-finals.
Mikel Oyarzabal opened the scoring from the penalty spot in the first half after Lamine Yamal was brought down inside the box. Pedro Porro doubled Spain's lead early in the second half, sealing their place in the World Cup final, where they will face either England or Argentina on July 19 in East Rutherford.
Mikel Oyarzabal has scored 18 goals in his last 20 games for Spain. His penalty made him the sixth man to reach 30 goals for Spain after David Silva (35), Alvaro Morata (37), Fernando Torres (38), Raul (44) and David Villa (59), according to the FIFA Website.
Pedro Porro of Spain was named Player of the Match.
France suffered an early setback when central defender William Saliba was forced off with a back injury midway through the first half and was replaced by Maxence Lacroix.
Spain dominated possession and kept France's attacking trio of Michael Olise, Kylian Mbappe and Ousmane Dembele largely quiet to take a 1-0 lead into the interval.
France also had history against them, with only Argentina (against Italy in 1990) and Croatia (against England in 2018) having previously recovered from a halftime deficit to win a World Cup semifinal.
Head coach Didier Deschamps introduced Manu Kone for Adrien Rabiot at the break and later brought on Desire Doue for Bradley Barcola in an attempt to change the momentum.
However, Spain maintained control through relentless pressing and crucial saves from goalkeeper Unai Simon.
Porro then finished off a flowing attacking move to score Spain's second goal, effectively putting the contest beyond France's reach.
With the victory, Spain equalled Italy's record of 37 consecutive matches unbeaten and advanced to only their second FIFA World Cup final.
— ANI
Reader Comments
France got completely outplayed in midfield - their attack was invisible. Mbappe, Olise, Dembele all quiet? That's rare. Spain's pressing game is world class. Reminds me of the 2010 World Cup winning team. Who do you think they'll face in final - England or Argentina?
As an Indian football fan, I love seeing different teams rise. Spain's 37-match unbeaten streak equalling Italy's record is incredible! But I feel for France - they just can't beat Spain when it matters most. Hope the final is a thriller! 🇮🇳⚽
Spain's tiki-taka is back with a vengeance! 🎯 Pedro Porro deserved Player of the Match - that goal was sublime. But France's defense without Saliba was shaky. Lacroix just couldn't handle the pressure. Who's betting on Spain vs England final?
Having watched football in India for years, Spain's consistency is commendable. France had the star power but Spain had the strategy. Only 2nd World Cup final for Spain - they'll be determined to win it! Hope we see more Asian representation in future World Cups though. 🙏
Great tactical display from Spain - their midfield control was total. France's attack was smothered. But honestly, what happened to Mbappe? Big players step up in big games. Spain vs Argentina would be an epic final! 🏆⚽
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