Spain Thrashes France 2-0 to Reach 2026 World Cup Final/ Newslooks/ WASHINGTON/ J. Mansour/Spain defeated France 2-0 to advance to its first World Cup final since winning the tournament in 2010. Mikel Oyarzabal converted a penalty created by Lamine Yamal before Pedro Porro doubled Spain’s lead, sending La Roja into Sunday’s championship match.
Spain World Cup Final Quick Looks
- Spain defeated France 2-0 in the World Cup semifinal.
- La Roja reached its first World Cup final since 2010.
- Mikel Oyarzabal scored a 22nd-minute penalty.
- Lamine Yamal drew the foul that created Spain’s opening goal.
- Pedro Porro scored Spain’s second goal in the 58th minute.
- Spain will face Argentina or England in Sunday’s final.
- France will play Saturday’s third-place match in Florida.
- Spain has now beaten France in three consecutive summer tournament semifinals.
Deep Look
Spain Reaches 2026 World Cup Final With Victory Over France
Spain is returning to the World Cup final for the first time in 16 years.
Mikel Oyarzabal scored from the penalty spot and Pedro Porro added a second-half goal as Spain defeated France 2-0 Tuesday in Arlington, Texas, securing a place in the 2026 World Cup championship match.
The victory sends La Roja into Sunday’s final at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey.
Spain will face either defending World Cup champion Argentina or England. Those teams meet Wednesday in Atlanta in the tournament’s second semifinal.
For Spain, the victory marks its first trip to a World Cup final since lifting the trophy in South Africa in 2010.
Lamine Yamal Creates Spain’s Opening Goal
Teenage star Lamine Yamal once again played a decisive role on soccer’s biggest stage.
Just one day after celebrating his 19th birthday, Yamal used his awareness and speed to create the opportunity that gave Spain the lead.
France defender Lucas Digne struggled with his initial touch while attempting to deal with the ball inside the penalty area.
Yamal quickly raced in from behind to challenge the veteran defender.
As Digne attempted to clear the ball, he kicked Yamal and the referee awarded Spain a penalty.
Oyarzabal stepped forward and converted the spot kick in the 22nd minute.
The goal was Oyarzabal’s fifth of the 2026 World Cup and his 30th in 60 international appearances for Spain.
It also marked the first time either Spain or France had trailed during their seven matches at this year’s tournament.
Pedro Porro Doubles Spain’s Advantage
France entered the second half searching for an equalizer, but Spain instead strengthened its grip on the semifinal.
Porro combined with Dani Olmo during a sharp give-and-go move before scoring in the 58th minute.
The goal gave Spain a commanding 2-0 advantage and left France facing its first significant deficit of the tournament.
Spain’s movement and quick passing continued to create problems for the French defense.
Yamal appeared to add another goal shortly after Porro’s strike, but officials ruled him narrowly offside.
The teenager was denied a semifinal goal, but his influence on the match had already been firmly established.
Yamal Again Haunts France in Major Semifinal
France has become familiar with Yamal’s ability to change major tournament matches.
Tuesday’s victory marked the third consecutive summer in which Spain defeated France in a tournament semifinal.
At the 2024 European Championship, Yamal scored during Spain’s 2-1 semifinal victory over France just days before his 17th birthday.
Spain went on to win the European title.
One year later, La Roja defeated France 5-4 in Nations League competition.
Now, Spain has eliminated France from the World Cup.
Following Spain’s quarterfinal victory over Belgium, Yamal said he believed France should fear the Spanish team.
His performance in Arlington helped reinforce that confidence.
France Falls Short of Third Straight World Cup Final
Kylian Mbappé and France entered the semifinal attempting to achieve a rare World Cup milestone.
The world’s top-ranked national team was trying to become only the third country in history to reach three consecutive World Cup finals.
Instead, France’s championship hopes ended against a Spanish team that remained composed after taking the early lead.
France will now travel to Miami Gardens, Florida, for Saturday’s third-place game.
The consolation match will take place one day before the World Cup final in New Jersey.
Oyarzabal Continues Strong World Cup Run
Oyarzabal’s penalty further strengthened an impressive individual tournament.
The Spanish forward now has five goals at the 2026 World Cup.
His international career total also reached 30 goals in 60 matches.
Against France, his calm penalty conversion provided Spain with the early advantage needed to control the semifinal.
With Spain protecting its lead, Porro’s second-half goal provided additional breathing room.
Spain One Victory Away From Another World Cup Title
Spain now stands one win away from its second men’s World Cup championship.
La Roja’s only previous title came in 2010, when Andrés Iniesta scored the winning goal against the Netherlands in extra time.
Sixteen years later, a new generation of Spanish players has returned the country to the sport’s biggest championship match.
Yamal has emerged as one of the defining stars of that generation, while experienced players such as Oyarzabal have delivered crucial goals throughout the tournament.
Spain will learn its World Cup final opponent after Argentina and England meet Wednesday.
Regardless of the opponent, La Roja will arrive at MetLife Stadium with momentum after eliminating FIFA’s top-ranked team and extending its recent dominance over France.
The World Cup trophy is now just one victory away.
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