Spain is one win away from a second FIFA World Cup title, after defeating France 2-0 in Tuesday’s semifinal at Dallas Stadium in Arlington, Texas, ending their bid for a third straight appearance in the tournament final. The victory sends Spain to its first World Cup final since capturing the championship in 2010, where it will face the winner of Wednesday’s semifinal between Argentina and England.
Spain seized control in the 22nd minute when teenage star Lamine Yamal drew a penalty after being fouled by Lucas Digne inside the box. Mikel Oyarzabal converted from the spot for his fifth goal of the tournament, handing France its first deficit of the competition. La Roja doubled the advantage in the 58th minute as Pedro Porro finished a flowing combination with Dani Olmo, leaving France with too much ground to recover.
France’s defensive structure took another heavy hit shortly after when central defender William Saliba was forced off with an injury. Replacing him with Maxence Lacroix in the 29th minute, Didier Deschamps’ side struggled to establish their typical tempo and found themselves suffocated by Spain’s midfield dominance. Early physical play also cost Les Bleus, as Adrien Rabiot received a caution in the ninth minute and was subsequently replaced at the half to mitigate further disciplinary risk.
The Spaniards doubled their lead in the 58th minute, with fullback Pedro Porro surging forward to finish a fluid team sequence, weaving deep into the box before driving a low strike past Maignan. Armed with a two-goal cushion, Spain effectively managed the clock, maintaining relentless possession to prevent France’s star-studded frontline, including Kylian Mbappé, from mounting a serious comeback.
The result extended Spain’s unbeaten run in regulation to 37 matches and continued its recent dominance over France following victories in the UEFA Euro 2024 and UEFA Nations League semifinals. France will now play in the third-place match, while Spain heads to Sunday’s championship match to face either defending champions Argentina or England in the tournament showcase on Sunday at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey.
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