New Delhi: Spain produced another commanding defensive display to defeat France 2-0 in the FIFA World Cup 2026 semi-final at Dallas Stadium, securing a place in the tournament’s final. Goals from Mikel Oyarzabal and Pedro Porro, coupled with an outstanding defensive performance, helped Spain overcome one of Europe’s strongest sides and move within one win of lifting the World Cup for only the second time.
Spain’s disciplined backline successfully neutralised France’s star attacking duo of Kylian Mbappé and Ousmane Dembélé, limiting their influence throughout the contest. The victory also extended Spain’s remarkable defensive record, with the team keeping clean sheets in six of their seven matches in the tournament.
The breakthrough came in the 22nd minute after teenage sensation Lamine Yamal, playing just a day after his 19th birthday, won a penalty inside the box. Oyarzabal calmly converted the spot-kick, beating French goalkeeper Mike Maignan to give Spain a 1-0 lead before halftime.
Spain doubled its advantage in the 58th minute when defender Pedro Porro combined effectively with Dani Olmo before firing an accurate finish into the net. France attempted a comeback through substitute attackers Désiré Doué and Rayan Cherki, but goalkeeper Unai Simón made several crucial saves, while defender Marc Cucurella produced a vital block to deny Mbappé late in the match.
Oyarzabal’s goal further cemented his place among Spain’s leading scorers. He has now scored 18 goals in his last 20 international appearances and became only the sixth Spanish player to register 30 or more international goals, joining legends including David Villa, Raúl, Fernando Torres, Álvaro Morata and David Silva.
Spain will now face the winner of the second semi-final between Argentina and England in the World Cup final, scheduled to be played on Sunday at New Jersey Stadium, New York. Spain’s only previous World Cup triumph came in 2010, when Andrés Iniesta’s extra-time goal secured victory over the Netherlands in Johannesburg.
Spain coach Luis de la Fuente praised his squad after the victory, saying the team’s success was built on four years of commitment to a clear footballing philosophy. He described his players as a united group capable of making even the toughest challenges appear simple through teamwork, discipline and talent.
Goalscorer Pedro Porro called reaching the World Cup final “a dream come true,” crediting the entire squad for the achievement rather than individual performances.
French midfielder Rayan Cherki acknowledged Spain’s superiority, saying the decisive factor was their ability to regain possession quickly and control the game whenever France attempted to build attacks.
