European champions Spain booked their place in the FIFA World Cup final after a convincing 2-0 victory over an underwhelming France side in Dallas.
Match Report
The highly anticipated semi-final, featuring two of the tournament’s strongest teams, failed to live up to expectations as France produced a disappointing display.
While France struggled to make an impact, Spain showcased their quality on both ends of the pitch to secure a place in Sunday’s final. They will face either England, whom they defeated in the Euro 2024 final, or reigning world champions Argentina.
Spain took control in the first half when Mikel Oyarzabal converted from the penalty spot after Lucas Digne fouled Lamine Yamal while attempting to clear the ball. Pedro Porro doubled Spain’s lead after the break, finishing confidently following a well-worked move involving Dani Olmo.
France rarely threatened throughout the contest. By the time Porro scored, Les Bleus had managed only two shots, with neither troubling the goalkeeper. Their attack, led by Kylian Mbappé and Ballon d’Or winner Ousmane Dembélé, was effectively contained, while tournament assist leader Michael Olise was substituted after another quiet outing.
The defeat consigns France to Saturday’s third-place play-off and marks a disappointing conclusion to Didier Deschamps’ 14-year spell in charge.
Spain, meanwhile, continue their remarkable run. Having eliminated France in the semi-finals of Euro 2024 and again in the 2025 Nations League, they have now defeated Les Bleus in three consecutive major knockout meetings. The victory also extends Spain’s unbeaten streak to 37 matches across all competitions, equalling the record for a European national team.
Now just one win away from World Cup glory, Spain are aiming to replicate the historic European Championship and World Cup double they last achieved in 2010. Based on their current form, they will be difficult to stop in the final in New York/New Jersey.