EAST RUTHERFORD – Spain delivered a masterclass in defensive football to defeat France 2-0 on Tuesday, ending Les Bleus’ World Cup dream and securing a place in the 2026 FIFA World Cup final.
Facing a French side spearheaded by Kylian Mbappé, Ballon d’Or winner Ousmane Dembélé and Michael Olise, Spain showcased why they have emerged as the tournament’s most complete team. Their disciplined backline frustrated one of the most dangerous attacks in international football, recording a remarkable sixth clean sheet in seven matches.
France entered the semifinal with one of the competition’s most prolific offenses. Mbappé had scored 20 goals in his first 20 World Cup appearances, while Olise led the tournament with five assists. However, Spain’s organized defense left the French attack without an answer.
“We were up against one of the best national teams in the world, but today, they were facing the best team in the world,” Spain head coach Luis de la Fuente said after the victory.
Spain took the lead when teenage sensation Lamine Yamal produced a brilliant piece of skill inside the penalty area, forcing a foul from a French defender. Mikel Oyarzabal calmly converted the resulting penalty to put La Roja ahead.
The 2010 world champions doubled their advantage in the 58th minute as Pedro Porro finished a slick one-two with Dani Olmo, giving Spain complete control of the contest.
Just a day after celebrating his 19th birthday, Yamal thought he had added a third goal, but the effort was ruled out for a narrow offside. Despite being denied on the scoresheet, the young winger once again demonstrated why he has become one of the breakout stars of the tournament, playing a decisive role in Spain’s victory.
France pushed for a response but found no way through Spain’s resolute defense, as Mbappé and his fellow attackers were kept quiet throughout the match.
The victory sends Spain into their second FIFA World Cup final, where they will face either defending champions Argentina or England on Sunday in East Rutherford, New Jersey.
After another commanding performance, Spain head into the final with momentum, confidence and the tournament’s best defensive record, standing just one win away from lifting the World Cup trophy for the second time in their history.
