Highlights:
Spain booked their place in the 2026 Fifa World Cup final for the first time in 16 years after ending France's impressive run with a commanding 2-0 victory in the semi-final at the Dallas Stadium in Arlington, Texas, today (14 July).
Mikel Oyarzabal gave La Roja the breakthrough in the 23rd minute, calmly converting from the penalty spot after France defender Lucas Digne brought down teenage sensation Lamine Yamal inside the box.
Pedro Porro then doubled Spain's advantage in the 58th minute, finishing off a flowing move to put Luis de la Fuente's side firmly in control as France struggled to find a way back into the contest.
Spain, who have been one of the tournament's standout teams, controlled possession for long periods and neutralised the attacking threat of Kylian Mbappé and the French frontline with a disciplined defensive display.
France had entered the semi-final unbeaten and widely regarded as one of the favourites for the title after eliminating Paraguay and Morocco in the knockout stages.
However, they were unable to match Spain's intensity and attacking fluency on the night.
The victory sends Spain into their first World Cup final since lifting the trophy in South Africa in 2010.
They will face the winner of tomorrow's second semi-final between England and Argentina in Sunday's showpiece, while France will take on the loser in the third-place playoff.
Luis de la Fuente's side have controlled much of the contest with their slick passing and relentless pressing, while France have struggled to find a way through Spain's disciplined defence despite the attacking threat of Kylian Mbappé.
France's problems worsened shortly afterwards as Saliba was forced off with an apparent injury, prompting Didier Deschamps to reshuffle his defence. The Arsenal defender's departure disrupted France's organisation at the back and limited their ability to build attacks from deep.
Spain XI: Unai Simon (goalkeeper); Pedro Porro, Pau Cubarsi, Aymeric Laporte, Marc Cucurella; Rodri (captain), Fabian Ruiz; Lamine Yamal, Dani Olmo, Alex Baena; Mikel Oyarzabal
France XI: Mike Maignan (goalkeeper); Jules Kounde, Dayot Upamecano, William Saliba, Lucas Digne; Aurelien Tchouameni, Adrien Rabiot; Ousmane Dembele, Michael Olise, Bradley Barcola; Kylian Mbappe (captain)
FIFA World Cup 2026 / France / Spain / Kylian Mbappe / Lamine Yamal
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