Spain Silences France 2-0 in Arlington to Secure Historical World Cup Final Spot

The Spanish national football team defeated France 2-0 in the semi-finals of the World Cup at the stadium in Arlington, Texas. Mikel Oyarzabal scored goals from a penalty kick in the 22nd minute and Pedro Porro in the 58th. Luis de la Fuente’s side advances to the World Cup final for only the second time in history.

France was widely considered one of the tournament favourites—their attack led by captain Kylian Mbappé, Ballon d'Or winner Ousmane Dembélé, and Michael Olise, who had the most assists in the tournament heading into the semi-final. On the eve of the match, 19-year-old Lamine Yamal bluntly said that the French should fear Spain, and he was proven right. The Spanish defence completely neutralised the opposition's attack, with Mbappé failing to hit the target once in three shot attempts.

The penalty in the 22nd minute was awarded following an episode involving Yamal. Defender Lucas Digne miscalculated a header and, in an attempt to clear the ball, collided with Yamal as he rushed in from behind in the penalty area. The ball struck the jumping Spaniard's elbow just before Digne brought him down. Oyarzabal coolly converted the penalty—marking his fifth goal of the tournament and his 30th in 60 appearances for Spain, while handing France its first conceded goal of the entire World Cup.

The second goal arrived in the 58th minute. Dani Olmo managed a crucial touch to release Pedro Porro just a split second before being taken down by defender Dayot Upamecano. Porro ran clean through on goal and left goalkeeper Mike Maignan with absolutely no chance.

For Spain, this marks their third consecutive summer knockout-stage victory over France, following their win in the Euro 2024 semi-finals (2-1) and the 2025 Nations League (5-4). The defeat snapped France's six-game winning streak at World Cups—a record that matched their group-stage runs in 2018 and 2022.

Outgoing France manager Didier Deschamps acknowledged the superiority of their opponents: "Spain defended well. They closed all the spaces, and on top of that, we made technical errors. It is difficult to create chances when the level of execution is below what is required." Mbappé echoed those thoughts: "Spain is a team that loves to control the game and the ball. That is exactly what we let them do. It’s tough when you can’t disrupt the opponent's style of play." The French captain added: "As captain, I take full responsibility. We wanted to reach the final—we didn't make it."

France will play in the third-place play-off on Saturday in Miami Gardens, Florida, while Spain will discover their final opponent following the Argentina vs England match taking place on July 15 in Atlanta. The World Cup 2026 final will be held at the New York New Jersey (MetLife) Stadium in East Rutherford on July 19 at 21:00 Spanish time.

The victory extends Spain's unbeaten run in regular time to 37 consecutive matches (28 wins, 9 draws) since March 2024—breaking their own national record of 35 games set in 2007-2009. Following a scoreless draw against Cape Verde in their opening group stage match, the Spaniards have scored 12 goals and conceded only once.