World Cup 2026 | France 0 - 2 Spain

Spain outclass France to book place in World Cup final

Spain are through to the World Cup final after producing an assured display to beat favourites France convincingly.

Author | James Y

Stadium | Dallas Stadium 

Luis de la Fuente's side nullified a France team packed with attacking quality, controlled a contest that offered few clear-cut chances and deservedly secured their place in Sunday's final thanks to goals from Mikel Oyarzabal and Pedro Porro.

Oyarzabal gave Spain the lead from the penalty spot midway through the first half after France left-back Lucas Digne clumsily caught Lamine Yamal while attempting to clear the ball.

The Spain forward calmly dispatched the penalty into the corner and, once ahead, his side tightened their grip on proceedings.

Watch | Highlights from BBC Sport

France were expected to respond after an underwhelming first half, but it was Spain who continued to dictate the game. Porro exchanged a neat one-two with Dani Olmo before finishing confidently at the near post to double the advantage.

With just over half an hour remaining, France searched for a route back into the contest but found themselves repeatedly frustrated by a disciplined Spain defence that has conceded only once throughout the tournament.

Spain stayed composed, organised and technically impressive until the final whistle, seeing out victory with little alarm.

Watch | Full-time reaction from ESPN

For France, hopes of reaching a third successive World Cup final are over. They will now face Saturday's third-place play-off, which also marks the end of an era as Didier Deschamps prepares to step down after 14 years in charge.

Spain, meanwhile, will head to New Jersey to face either England or Argentina in Sunday's final as they look to lift the World Cup for only the second time.

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Super News Affiliate is the place for all the best World Cup news and stories. Check out the dedicated World Cup 2026 page for some of the latest match reports. What a tournament it has been so far. Who's going to go all the way and bring the trophy home with them? 

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