Spain spoil Bastille Day party by beating France 2-0 to reach World Cup final

Published on 14/07/2026 - 23:18 GMT+2

Spain are within touching distance of glory. Luis de la Fuente’s side beat France convincingly 2-0 at the AT&T Stadium in Arlington and booked their place in the 2026 World Cup final after a display of character, footballing quality and competitive maturity.

La Roja once again got the better of one of the main favourites for the title in a hugely demanding match. France tried to set the tempo early on, but Spain soon took control of possession and the midfield. Lamine Yamal’s pace proved decisive in breaking the deadlock: the winger won a penalty after a challenge from Lucas Digne and Mikel Oyarzabal made no mistake from the spot to put Spain ahead before half-time.

With the advantage on the scoreboard, the Spanish team showedthe composure that has been the hallmark of their whole campaign**.** Rodri and Fabián Ruiz ran the show in the middle of the park, while an impeccably disciplined defence neutralised Mbappé and France’s powerful attacking unit. France tried to react after the interval but ran into a consistently solid Spain side, leaving keeper Unai Simón virtually untested.

The decisive blow came in the second half, when Dani Olmo threaded a superb pass into the path of Pedro Porro, who surged forward from full-back with a striker’s instinct to beat Mike Maignan and make it 2-0, leaving the reigning World Cup runners-up reeling.

The changes made by Didier Deschamps failed to alter the script. Spain managed their lead intelligently, moved the ball patiently and barely allowed chances to a subdued France, unable to find space against the tactical discipline of De la Fuente’s side.

The final whistle sparked celebrations among the thousands of Spain fans who had travelled to Texas. La Roja are back in a World Cup final and keep alive their dream of winning the second World Cup in their history.

With this victory, Spain are now just one match away from touching the sky. On Sunday they will aim to be crowned world champions against the winners of the other semi-final between England and Argentina.