France vs Spain HIGHLIGHTS FIFA WC S/F: Spain crush France to reach World Cup final after 16 years | FIFA World Cup 2026

Spain is back in the FIFA World Cup final for the first time in 16 years. A composed and clinical display saw La Roja defeat defending champions France 2-0 in the first semifinal at the AT&T Stadium in Arlington, setting up a showdown with either Argentina or England.

Luis de la Fuente’s side controlled the contest for long spells and made its superiority count through Mikel Oyarzabal’s first-half penalty and Pedro Porro’s superbly crafted strike after the break. France, despite enjoying periods of pressure and creating a handful of chances, lacked the cutting edge to breach Spain’s disciplined defence.

Oyarzabal breaks the deadlock

Spain’s breakthrough came in the 22nd minute after Lamine Yamal was brought down by Lucas Digne inside the penalty area. Mikel Oyarzabal stepped up and powered his spot-kick beyond Mike Maignan, who guessed the right way but could not keep the effort out.

The goal rewarded Spain’s dominance in possession, although France remained a threat on the counter through Kylian Mbappe, who squandered the visitors’ best opportunity after delaying his shot when sent through by Ousmane Dembele.

France also suffered a setback before half-time when William Saliba limped off injured, forcing Didier Deschamps into an early defensive reshuffle.

Porro puts Spain in command

France emerged with greater intent after the restart, but Spain delivered the decisive blow in the 58th minute.

Pedro Porro initiated a slick passing move before exchanging passes with Dani Olmo and calmly slotting past Maignan to double Spain’s advantage.

Spain nearly made it three moments later when Lamine Yamal found the net, only for the offside flag to deny the teenager.

Simon stands tall as France falters

France threw everything forward in the closing stages, introducing Desire Doue, Rayan Cherki and Theo Hernandez in search of a comeback.

However, Unai Simon produced another outstanding performance, denying Mbappe and Doue, while Spain’s backline, marshalled by Rodri, Aymeric Laporte and Marc Cucurella, dealt comfortably with France’s late pressure.

Mbappe’s frustrations summed up France’s evening. The captain was booked late on, before blazing a dangerous free-kick over the crossbar with time running out.

Spain ends France’s remarkable run

The victory sends Spain into its first FIFA World Cup final since 2010, when it defeated the Netherlands to lift its maiden—and so far only—World Cup title.

For France, the defeat ends its bid to become the first men’s team since West Germany (1982, 1986 and 1990) to reach three consecutive World Cup finals. It is also Les Bleus’ first two-goal defeat at a World Cup since a 2-0 loss to Mexico in the 2010 group stage.

Spain will now await the winner of the second semifinal between Argentina and England, while France will feature in the third-place playoff.