Dallas (Texas), July 15 : Spain booked their place in the FIFA World Cup 2026 final with a clinical 2-0 victory over France in the first semifinal at Dallas Stadium on Wednesday.
Mikel Oyarzabal gave Spain the lead from the penalty spot in the 22nd minute after Lamine Yamal was brought down inside the box by Lucas Digne. Pedro Porro doubled the advantage in the 58th minute to seal a dominant win for La Roja.
Spain’s disciplined defence kept France, led by captain Kylian Mbappe, scoreless as goalkeeper Unai Simon registered his sixth clean sheet of the tournament. The achievement made Spain the first team to keep six clean sheets in a single FIFA World Cup edition.
The victory also extended Spain’s unbeaten run in regulation time to 37 matches, comprising 28 wins and nine draws since March 2024.
With Oyarzabal’s successful spot-kick, Spain also became the highest-scoring team from penalties in FIFA World Cup history with 17 goals, surpassing England and France, who have 16 each.
France managed four shots on target but failed to find the net, while Mbappe could not convert any of his three attempts. Spain scored with both of their shots on target to secure a place in the final.
Speaking after the match, Spain coach Luis de la Fuente praised his players for their disciplined performance against one of the strongest teams in world football.
Spain, who won their only FIFA World Cup title in 2010, will now face either defending champions Argentina or England in the final at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey on Sunday.
The second semifinal between Argentina and England will be played at Atlanta Stadium later on Wednesday
