FIFA World Cup 2026: Spain beats France 2-0 to qualify for the final

Spain qualified for the 2026 FIFA World Cup final on Tuesday after defeating tournament favorites France 2-0 in the semi-finals at the Dallas Stadium in Arlington, Texas, United States (USA).

The goals were scored by Mikel Oyarzabal from a penalty in the first half and Pedro Porro in the 58th minute.

It was a tough end for France, who entered the tournament as favourites, having won the 2018 World Cup and lost to Argentina in the 2022 final.

But France were no match for Spain, who have conceded just one goal in this World Cup – and have not been beaten for two years (37 consecutive matches: 28 wins – 9 draws – 0 defeats).

Indeed, neither team had trailed in this World Cup until a 21st-minute Spanish penalty put them 1-0 up.
Spain scored another goal in the 58th minute to seal the victory and managed to stifle France’s stellar attacking trio of Kylian Mbappé, Ousmane Dembélé and Michael Olise. Mbappe had entered the match as the tournament’s leader in the race for the Golden Boot (8 goals and 3 assists, just ahead of Argentina’s Lionel Messi with 8 goals and 2 assists).
Spain, the reigning European champions and 2010 World Cup winners, enter Sunday’s final on a positive note and will face the winner of Wednesday’s semi-final between Argentina and England.
France will still have one match to play, the one for third place, against the losing team of the other semi-final on Saturday.