Spain Sink France to Reach Final

Spain produced a dominant display to beat Kylian Mbappe's France 2-0 and book their place in the 2026 FIFA World Cup final. Luis de la Fuente's side outplayed the French throughout the first semifinal at AT&T Stadium in Dallas, reaching the World Cup final for the first time since lifting the trophy in South Africa in 2010.
From the opening whistle, Spain imposed their trademark possession-based, high-pressing style, leaving France struggling to find rhythm. Their pressure paid off in the 22nd minute when French defenders brought down Lamine Yamal inside the penalty area. Referee pointed to the spot, and captain Mikel Oyarzabal calmly sent goalkeeper Mike Maignan the wrong way to give Spain a deserved 1-0 lead.
France attempted to respond after conceding, but Spain's midfield duo of Rodri and Fabian Ruiz controlled possession with precise passing, denying Didier Deschamps' men any sustained momentum before halftime.
Spain maintained their dominance after the break and doubled their advantage in the 58th minute. Dani Olmo split the French defense with a perfectly weighted through ball, allowing right-back Pedro Porro to surge into the box before firing an unstoppable shot past Maignan.
Trailing by two goals, France captain Mbappe tried to inspire a comeback with several individual runs, but Spain's young defender Pau Cubarsi and goalkeeper Unai Simon stood firm to keep the French attack at bay.
The victory puts Spain within one win of completing a rare European Championship-World Cup double, having already claimed the UEFA Euro title. Meanwhile, France's hopes of reaching a third consecutive World Cup final came to an end.
Spain will now wait until July 20 for the final, which will be played at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey. The championship match, scheduled to kick off at 1:00 a.m. Bangladesh time, will see Spain face the winner of the second semifinal between Argentina and England.

MMR