The first finalist of the 2026 FIFA World Cup was decided at Dallas Stadium, where Spain booked their place in the final with a convincing 2–0 victory over France. La Roja produced another composed display to overcome Les Bleus and move one step closer to lifting the world title.
In the first half, Spain looked to hurt France through patient possession and controlled build-up play, while France adopted a more direct approach, increasing the tempo and pushing forward in search of chances.
The breakthrough came in the 20th minute under unexpected circumstances. Lucas Digne caught Lamine Yamal instead of the ball inside the penalty area, prompting the referee to immediately point to the spot. Mikel Oyarzabal calmly converted the penalty two minutes later, giving Spain a 1–0 lead in the 22nd minute.
France's problems worsened shortly afterwards when William Saliba was forced off with an injury. Maxence Lacroix replaced the defender in the 30th minute.
Spain's composure, cohesion, and confidence allowed Luis de la Fuente's side to control much of the first half. France, however, responded with a stronger finish to the opening period, pushing higher up the pitch and putting La Roja under some pressure. Despite their late surge, Les Bleus were unable to find an equaliser and headed into the break trailing 1–0.
Contrary to expectations, Spain did not sit back after the restart. Instead, La Roja continued to play on the front foot and looked the more likely side to score. Their positive approach paid off in the 58th minute when confusion in the French defence allowed Pedro Porro to combine neatly with Dani Olmo before the Spanish right-back finished clinically to double his side's advantage.
Lamine Yamal thought he had added a third in the 61st minute, just a day after his 19th birthday, but his celebrations were cut short as the goal was ruled out for offside.
France gradually pushed forward in an attempt to rescue the match and keep their World Cup final hopes alive. Their first real response came in the 67th minute, when Kylian Mbappé fired narrowly wide from the edge of the area.
Didier Deschamps made attacking changes in the 72nd minute, introducing Theo Hernández and Rayan Cherki in place of Lucas Digne and Michael Olise as France searched for a way back into the contest. Moments later, Désiré Doué had a golden opportunity after Unai Simón ventured off his line, but the Spanish goalkeeper recovered brilliantly to deny the winger.
Mbappé endured a frustrating evening and wasted another promising chance in the 89th minute, sending a free-kick over the crossbar from a dangerous position. Spain remained defensively disciplined throughout the closing stages, preventing Les Bleus from finding even a consolation goal.
With the victory, Spain reached the FIFA World Cup final for only the second time in their history. Luis de la Fuente's side will face the winner of the other semi-final between England and Argentina in the showpiece at New York/New Jersey Stadium on 19 July.
