Spain Beats France 2-0 to Reach 2026 World Cup Final

Spain advanced to the 2026 FIFA World Cup final with a commanding 2-0 victory over France in the semifinal Tuesday in Arlington, Texas, silencing an attacking trio led by Kylian Mbappé and extending one of international football’s most dominant recent streaks.

Yamal Orchestrates, Oyarzabal and Porro Deliver

Spain drew first blood in the 22nd minute when teenager Lamine Yamal’s clever run into the penalty area drew a foul from French defender Lucas Digne. Mikel Oyarzabal converted from the spot for his fifth goal of the tournament, marking the first time either team had conceded in seven matches at this World Cup.

The Spain France World Cup semifinal 2026 was effectively decided in the 58th minute when Pedro Porro latched onto a give-and-go with Dani Olmo — who was knocked off his feet by Dayot Upamecano just after releasing the pass — to make it 2-0. Yamal nearly added a third moments later but was denied by a tight offside call, just a day after his 19th birthday.

“We were up against one of the best national teams in the world, but today, they were facing the best team in the world,” said Spain coach Luis de la Fuente.

A Record-Breaking Performance

The win gave Spain a record sixth shutout in seven games at this World Cup. Goalkeeper Unai Simón’s only concession came in the quarterfinal against Belgium, which snapped his remarkable run of 650 scoreless World Cup minutes. Spain have now extended their overall unbeaten streak in regular time to 37 matches — 28 wins and nine draws — since March 2024, surpassing their own record of 35 set between 2007 and 2009. Since opening with a scoreless draw against Cape Verde, Spain have outscored opponents 12-1.

Tuesday’s result also marks the third consecutive summer in which Spain eliminated France at a major tournament semifinal stage, following victories at Euro 2024 and in the UEFA Nations League.

Mbappé Silenced, France’s Streak Ends

France captain Kylian Mbappé, who arrived at the semifinal tied with Lionel Messi for the tournament’s top scorer with eight goals and 20 World Cup strikes across his career, had none of his three shots hit the target. The defeat ended France’s run of six consecutive World Cup match victories — a streak matched across the 2018 and 2022 tournaments.

“Spain has been able to defend well. They’ve closed out all the spaces and also we’ve made some technical mistakes,” said France coach Didier Deschamps, who will step down from the role. “It is difficult to create problems when the technical level is below standard.”

Mbappé accepted personal responsibility. “As the captain, I have to take all the responsibility and I have no problem with that. We wanted to go to the final. We didn’t go.”

What Comes Next

Spain will face either defending champion Argentina or England in the World Cup final on Sunday in East Rutherford, New Jersey, across the river from New York City. The two powerhouses meet Wednesday in Atlanta in the second semifinal.

France will play in the third-place match in Miami Gardens, Florida, on Saturday. Mbappé, who still has two goals to score to claim the Golden Boot outright ahead of Messi — who has 21 career World Cup goals and two games remaining — will have a chance to add to his tally in that match.

“So difficult to get to this moment, but we want more,” Spain midfielder Rodri said. “We want to win this World Cup.”