World Cup 2026: Spain eliminates France and heads to the final

France stops at the doorstep of the final. Facing Spain in the semi-final of the 2026 World Cup, the Blues were defeated 2-0 in Arlington, Texas. The reigning European champions delivered a solid performance to secure their ticket to the final on Sunday.

The first turning point of the match came in the 22nd minute. Lamine Yamal, very lively on his flank, drew a foul from Lucas Digne in the French penalty area. Mikel Oyarzabal took the penalty to give Spain the lead.

Trailing, the French team never really managed to regain control of the match. Up against a disciplined Spain in possession and quick in transitions, the Blues lacked precision in the final meters. La Roja then doubled their lead in the second half, thanks to Pedro Porro, who scored the second goal in the 58th minute after a combination with Dani Olmo.

La Roja awaits England or Argentina

Lamine Yamal could have even increased the score, but one of his goals was disallowed for offside. However, his performance had a significant impact on Spain’s qualification, both through his activity and his influence in crucial moments.

This defeat ends France’s ambition to reach a third consecutive World Cup final. After the final won in 2018 and that contested in 2022, the Blues will have to settle for the third-place match. According to the Associated Press, France will play this match on Saturday in Florida.

Spain, on the other hand, will play its first World Cup final since its victory in 2010. They will face the winner of the other semi-final between England and Argentina on Sunday in New Jersey.

With this victory, La Roja confirms its recent dominance over the Blues in major encounters. After the Euro 2024 and the Nations League 2025, Spain eliminates France once again in the semi-finals and offers itself a chance to lift a second World Cup.