Spain shock France 2-0 to reach 2026 FIFA World Cup final (Photos)

Spain booked their place in the 2026 FIFA World Cup final with a composed 2-0 victory over France at Dallas Stadium on Tuesday night, ending Les Bleus’ hopes of reaching a third consecutive World Cup final.

Goals from captain Mikel Oyarzabal and right-back Pedro Porro sealed a deserved victory for Luis de la Fuente’s side, who outplayed one of the tournament favourites to set up a title showdown against either Argentina or England.

The European champions produced another disciplined display, dominating possession while limiting France’s star-studded attack led by Kylian Mbappé, Ousmane Dembélé and Michael Olise to very few clear-cut opportunities.

Spain took control in the 22nd minute after teenage sensation Lamine Yamal won a penalty.

Lucas Digne failed to clear a cross into the area and caught the Barcelona winger with his attempted clearance, leaving the referee with little hesitation before pointing to the spot.

Oyarzabal confidently converted the resulting penalty, firing into the top-right corner beyond Mike Maignan despite the goalkeeper diving the correct way.

France’s evening became even more difficult eight minutes later when Arsenal defender William Saliba was forced off with a back injury, disrupting Didier Deschamps' defensive plans.

Although Les Bleus enjoyed spells of possession, they struggled to create meaningful chances against Spain’s organised back line, with Aymeric Laporte and Pau Cubarsí producing outstanding performances in central defence.

Mbappé was repeatedly crowded out, while Dembélé and Olise found little space to influence the contest.

Spain nearly doubled their advantage before the break through Lamine Yamal and Fabián Ruiz, but France survived to trail by just one goal at half-time.

Deschamps introduced Kouadio Koné after the interval in an attempt to inject energy into midfield, yet Spain continued to dictate proceedings.

Their dominance was rewarded in the 58th minute when Dani Olmo orchestrated a swift attacking move before exchanging passes with Pedro Porro.

The Tottenham defender timed his run perfectly before calmly slotting past Maignan to make it 2-0, leaving France with a mountain to climb.

The goal further underlined Spain’s superiority, with Porro becoming only the second Spanish defender to score multiple goals in a single World Cup after Fernando Hierro.

France pushed forward in the closing stages, introducing Désiré Doué, Theo Hernández and Rayan Cherki in search of inspiration.

Mbappé came closest to pulling one back, but his curling free-kick sailed over the crossbar, while Unai Simón recovered brilliantly after a rare mistake to deny Doué.

Spain remained composed throughout the closing minutes, keeping possession expertly and frustrating their opponents until the final whistle.

The victory extends Spain’s impressive recent record against France, having also beaten them at UEFA Euro 2024 and in the 2025 UEFA Nations League.

More importantly, it sends La Roja into another World Cup final, where they will aim to lift football’s biggest prize for the second time in their history.

For France, the defeat ends an otherwise impressive campaign, while Spain moves one step away from completing a remarkable tournament built on defensive solidity, tactical discipline and clinical finishing when it mattered most.

Photos