Spain secured a spot in the 2026 FIFA World Cup final after beating France 2-0 in Tuesday’s semi-final.
Mikel Oyarzabal scored a penalty in the first half, and Pedro Porro added another goal after halftime to secure the win for La Roja. France’s hopes of reaching a third straight World Cup final came to an end.
Spain seizes control before halftime
Spain went ahead in the 22nd minute when referee Iván Barton awarded a penalty for a foul by Lucas Digne inside the box.
Oyarzabal scored the penalty, sending Mike Maignan the wrong way and putting the European champions in front.
La Roja kept control of the ball and almost scored again before halftime, but Fabián Ruiz’s close-range shot was blocked after a period of pressure.
Porro extends Spain’s lead
Spain made it 2-0 in the 58th minute after a great team move. Dani Olmo set up Pedro Porro, who finished with a first-time shot past Maignan.
Lamine Yamal nearly scored a third goal soon after, but it was ruled out for offside.
Simón denies France
France tried to get back into the game, and Désiré Doué forced Unai Simón to make a great save from long range late in the match.
The Spanish goalkeeper made another important save in stoppage time, stopping Ousmane Dembélé after he broke into the box with a strong solo run.
With this win, Spain move on to the World Cup final, where they will try to win their second world title.
Luis de la Fuente’s team will play the winner of the England vs. Argentina semi-final in Sunday’s final on July 19.
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