Spain booked their place in the final of the 2026 FIFA World Cup on Tuesday after producing a composed and clinical display to defeat France 2-0 in the first semifinal, ending Les Bleus’ impressive run in the tournament.
The victory sends La Roja into their first World Cup final since lifting the trophy in 2010, where they will face the winner of the second semifinal between England and Argentina. France, meanwhile, will contest the third-place playoff after seeing their title ambitions come to an end.
France entered the encounter full of confidence after an impressive campaign that had established Didier Deschamps’ side among the favourites for the title. However, Spain dictated proceedings from the opening whistle, controlling possession, winning the midfield battle and denying Les Bleus the space to impose themselves.
La Roja’s aggressive pressing and disciplined shape repeatedly disrupted France’s attempts to build from the back, while Kylian Mbappé and the French attack struggled to break through a well-organised Spanish defence.
Spain’s dominance was rewarded in the 22nd minute when Mikel Oyarzabal converted from the penalty spot after Lamine Yamal won a spot-kick. Pedro Porro doubled the advantage in the 58th minute, finishing off a flowing attacking move to leave France with a mountain to climb.
Mbappé attempted to spark a comeback with his trademark pace and direct running, but Spain’s backline remained resolute, limiting the French captain’s influence throughout the contest.
As France committed more players forward in search of a way back into the match, Spain maintained their composure, frustrating every attacking move and comfortably protecting their two-goal advantage until the final whistle.
Despite late substitutions aimed at changing the game’s momentum, Les Bleus were unable to find a breakthrough against a Spanish side that combined tactical discipline with clinical finishing.
For France, the defeat marked a disappointing end to an otherwise impressive World Cup campaign, having overcome several formidable opponents to reach the last four before being outclassed by the European champions.
Spain’s victory further underlined their status as one of the tournament’s standout teams, extending their impressive run of form and moving them one step closer to a second World Cup title.
Attention now turns to Wednesday’s second semifinal between England and Argentina, with Spain awaiting the winner in Sunday’s World Cup final. France, meanwhile, will seek to finish their campaign on a positive note in the third-place playoff.
At the time of filing this report, neither the Spanish nor French camps had issued official post-match remarks on the outcome of the semifinal.