Spain’s trademark tactical discipline and seamless collective cohesion have brought France’s World Cup journey to an abrupt end. Luis de la Fuente’s side turned in a masterclass at both ends of the pitch in Dallas, ruthlessly dispatching their opponents while completely neutralising a star-studded French attack spearheaded by Kylian Mbappé in a comfortable 2-0 victory.

Pundits had noted before kick-off that Spain’s primary objective would be to starve Les Bleus of possession, denying their explosive forwards the space required to transition at pace. La Roja executed this blueprint to perfection, breaking the deadlock in the 22nd minute. Lucas Digne, under pressure as he attempted to clear an awkward bounce, caught Lamine Yamal after the teenager had stolen the ball from his blind side. Mikel Oyarzabal stepped up to the spot, confidently dispatching the resulting penalty past Mike Maignan to claim his fifth goal of the tournament.

France responded with increased urgency as the first half drew to a close, yet failed to carve out any clear-cut openings. Their most promising moment arrived in the 42nd minute when Kylian Mbappé looked set to break through on goal, only for Unai Simón to race off his line and produce a superb sliding interception outside his area.

Having negotiated the first half with minimal fuss, Spain required only thirteen minutes of the second period to double their advantage. In the 58th minute, Pedro Porro initiated a fluid give-and-go with Dani Olmo on the edge of the area, latching onto a delicate reverse pass before producing a composed, clinical finish past Maignan.

Didier Deschamps’ side threw caution to the wind in the closing stages, but their efforts were thoroughly hollow. A final expected goals (xG) tally of just 0.31 underlined the lack of attacking threat France posed throughout the match, with the Les Bleus frontline failing to register a shot on target until the 89th minute.

The victory sees Spain advance to only their second-ever World Cup final, where they will face the winner of Wednesday's mouthwatering semi-final clash between England and Argentina.

World Cup 2026

France - Spain 0:2 (0:1)
Goals: Oyarzabal, 22 (penalty) (0:1); Porro, 58 (0:2)

France: Maignan; Saliba (Lacroix M., 30); Digne (Theo Hernández, 72); Upamecano; Kounde; Tchouaméni; Olise (Cherki, 72); Rabiot (Koné M., 46); Dembele O.; Mbappé; Barcola B. (Doue D., 57)
Substitution: Lacroix M. (from 30); Koné M. (from 46); Doue D. (from 57); Theo Hernández (from 72); Cherki (from 72)
Bench: Samba B.; Risser; Gusto; Konate; Lucas Hernandez; Kante N.; Zaire-Emery; Akliouche; Thuram M.; Mateta
Yellow Cards: Rabiot 9; Mbappé 86

Spain: Simón U.; Cubarsí; Porro (Llorente M., 84); Laporte; Cucurella; Fabian Ruiz (Pedri, 77); Olmo (Merino, 77); Álex Baena (Nico Williams, 83); Rodri; Oyarzabal (Torres F., 74); Yamal
Substitution: Torres F. (from 74); Merino (from 77); Pedri (from 77); Nico Williams (from 83); Llorente M. (from 84)
Bench: Raya; García Jo.; Pubill; Grimaldo; Garcia E.; Zubimendi; Gavi; Pino Y.; Muñoz Vic.; Iglesias
Yellow Cards: Cucurella 31