Spain booked their place in the 2026 FIFA World Cup final with a composed but commanding 2-0 victory over France in Arlington, ending Les Bleus’ hopes of a third consecutive appearance in the tournament’s showpiece.
The breakthrough arrived in the 22nd minute when Mikel Oyarzabal stepped up and coolly sent the penalty into the net after Lamine Yamal was clipped inside the area by Lucas Digne. It was Oyarzabal’s fifth goal of the tournament and the first time France had trailed at this World Cup.
Didier Deschamps’ side emerged after the interval with greater intent, and Kylian Mbappé and Ousmane Dembélé both probed for a way back into the contest, but Spain’s back line held its shape superbly, throwing bodies in the way and shutting down the spaces France needed to build momentum.
Spain doubled their lead midway through the second half when Pedro Porro arrived at the right moment to sweep home from close range after being picked out by Dani Olmo, a sharp finish that left France facing an almost impossible task.
France pushed forward in the closing stages, but Spain stayed calm under pressure, defending with discipline and composure to see out the win and secure their first World Cup final appearance since lifting the trophy in 2010.
The result extends Spain’s impressive run through the knockout stages, having already eliminated Portugal and Belgium before overcoming one of the tournament favourites in the semi-finals.
Spain will now face the winners of Wednesday’s semi-final between Argentina and England in Sunday’s World Cup final, while France will contest the third-place play-off.
