DALLAS, TEXAS July 14, 2026 – Spain produced a disciplined and clinical performance to knock out defending champions France 2-0 in the semi-final of the FIFA World Cup 2026 at AT&T Stadium (Dallas Stadium) on Tuesday night, booking their place in Sunday’s final.
Mikel Oyarzabal’s first-half penalty and a superb second-half strike from Pedro Porro gave La Roja a deserved victory and ended France’s hopes of retaining the trophy they won in 2018 and 2022.
Spain, who had been the more composed side from the opening whistle, took the lead in the 22nd minute. Teenage sensation Lamine Yamal, who celebrated his 19th birthday the previous day, was clipped inside the box by Lucas Digne. Referee pointed to the spot, and Mikel Oyarzabal calmly converted the penalty past Mike Maignan to give Spain a 1-0 advantage.
The goal took Oyarzabal to 30 international goals for Spain, making him the sixth player in history to reach that landmark.
France pushed for an equalizer after the break but were punished on the counter in the 58th minute. Pedro Porro exchanged a clever one-two with Dani Olmo before firing low into the bottom corner from the edge of the area.
The right-back’s goal proved decisive. Spain’s defense, marshaled superbly by the likes of Marc Cucurella and goalkeeper Unai Simon (who acted effectively as a sweeper-keeper), kept a clean sheet and limited Kylian Mbappé’s threat throughout the match.
Spain have now kept six clean sheets in seven matches at the tournament and have conceded just two goals in total during their campaign in North America — matching the record held by France (1998), Italy (2006), and Spain themselves (2010).
France introduced fresh attacking options in Desire Doue and Rayan Cherki but could not break down a resolute Spanish backline. Cherki later admitted: “They were simply better than us when it came to winning second balls and recovering possession.”
Spain coach Luis de la Fuente praised his team’s consistency:
“We started almost four years ago with an idea, and we’ve been faithful to that idea… Today we faced one of the best national teams in the world, but in front of them they had the best team in the world. These players deserve everything.”
Match-winner Pedro Porro was named Michelob Ultra Superior Player of the Match. He said:
“It’s a dream come true… We knew we were up against a really, really tough team. This is the team’s achievement, not mine at all.”
Spain will face the winner of the other semi-final between England and Argentina in the final at New York New Jersey Stadium on Sunday.
France will now play for third place on Saturday.
Spain’s blend of youthful talent (led by Yamal) and experienced performers has carried them to their second World Cup final, 16 years after their triumph in South Africa in 2010.
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