Spain Punches Ticket to World Cup Final After Dominant Display Over France

ARLINGTON, Texas — Spain delivered a masterclass performance at AT&T Stadium in Dallas on Tuesday night, defeating France 2-0 in the first semifinal of the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Goals from Mikel Oyarzabal and Pedro Porro sent La Roja to their first World Cup final since 2010, extending their remarkable unbeaten run to 37 matches in the process.

The European champions controlled the tempo from the opening whistle, suffocating France’s attack and neutralizing Kylian Mbappé with a disciplined defensive structure that has become the hallmark of Luis de la Fuente’s side.

First-Half Breakthrough

The breakthrough came in the 32nd minute when teenage sensation Lamine Yamal was brought down inside the box by France defender Dayot Upamecano. The penalty was clear, and Mikel Oyarzabal stepped up with ice in his veins, sending Mike Maignan the wrong way to put Spain ahead 1-0.

“I practice those penalties every day in training,” Oyarzabal said after the match. “When the referee pointed to the spot, I knew exactly where I was going. This is what we’ve been building toward for two years.”

The goal was Oyarzabal’s fifth of the tournament, equaling a Spanish record for most goals in a single World Cup campaign. France, stunned by the setback, struggled to find their rhythm as Spain’s midfield trio of Rodri, Fabián Ruiz, and Dani Olmo dominated possession and dictated the pace of play.

Porro Doubles the Lead

Spain doubled their advantage in the 63rd minute through an opportunistic strike from Pedro Porro. A defensive miscue by France’s William Saliba allowed the ball to fall to Porro on the edge of the box. The Tottenham full-back unleashed a clinical finish that nestled into the bottom corner, sending the Spanish bench and their traveling supporters into delirium.

“It was a dream come true,” Porro said. “Scoring in a World Cup semifinal is something you dream about as a child. I saw the space open up and I just hit it first time. The moment the ball hit the net, I felt all the emotion of this journey.”

Defensive Solidity Shuts Down Mbappé

France captain Kylian Mbappé, who entered the match as the tournament’s joint top scorer, was rendered anonymous for long stretches. Spain center-backs Aymeric Laporte and Robin Le Normand produced perhaps their finest performances in a Spanish shirt, tracking the French superstar’s every movement and denying him the space to operate.

France’s best chance came in the 71st minute when substitute Randal Kolo Muani forced a sharp save from Unai Simón, but Spain’s goalkeeper was equal to the task. The French side grew increasingly frustrated as the clock ticked down, with midfielder Adrien Rabiot picking up a yellow card and Mbappé cutting a dejected figure on the final whistle.

De la Fuente: “This Team Is Special”

Spain head coach Luis de la Fuente could barely contain his pride after the match. “I said before the tournament that this group of players is the best in the world, and tonight they proved it on the biggest stage,” he said. “We have not been beaten in two years. That is not luck — that is belief, hard work, and an unwavering commitment to each other.”

Spain’s 37-match unbeaten streak now stands as one of the longest in international football history. They have conceded just one goal in the entire tournament — a penalty against Belgium in the quarterfinals — and have not lost a match since March 2024.

What Comes Next: World Cup Final Sunday

Spain now await the winner of Wednesday’s second semifinal between England and Argentina at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta. The 2026 FIFA World Cup Final will be played on Sunday, July 19, at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey.

“We don’t care who we face,” said captain Álvaro Morata. “England or Argentina — both are incredible teams with incredible players. But we came here to win the World Cup, and we are one game away. We will be ready.”

For France, defeat means the end of an era. Head coach Didier Deschamps, who led Les Bleus to the 2018 World Cup title and the 2022 final, will see his tenure end without a third final appearance. “I am proud of what this group has achieved,” Deschamps said. “We faced a better team tonight. Spain deserved to win, and I wish them luck in the final.”

Key Stats From the Match

Spain’s victory was built on a foundation of statistical dominance. La Roja held 58% possession, completed 89% of their passes, and registered 12 shots to France’s 7. Perhaps most tellingly, Mbappé managed just two shots on target — his lowest total in any match this tournament. The clean sheet was Spain’s fifth in six World Cup matches.

France, meanwhile, will rue a disjointed performance that saw key players fail to impose themselves. William Saliba’s injury early in the second half disrupted France’s defensive organization, and the error that led to Porro’s goal summed up a night when nothing went right for the 2018 champions.

Looking Ahead: Bet on the World Cup Final at KY-MK

The 2026 FIFA World Cup Final is shaping up to be an unforgettable showdown, and there is no better place to get in on the action than at KY-MK. Whether you back Spain to lift the trophy, fancy a player to score first, or want to bet on the exact scoreline, KY-MK offers the best odds and the widest range of markets for football fans worldwide.

New users get exclusive welcome bonuses and free bets to start their World Cup final experience. With live betting, real-time odds updates, and instant withdrawals, KY-MK is the trusted destination for sports betting enthusiasts. Visit KY-MK today, place your bets on the 2026 World Cup Final, and turn every kick into a winning opportunity!

Don’t miss a moment of the action — sign up at KY-MK now and get the best odds on Spain vs. England/Argentina in the 2026 FIFA World Cup Final!