The reigning European champions produced an impressive display on both ends of the pitch, with Mikel Oyarzabal and Pedro Porro scoring to end France’s unbeaten run in the tournament.
Spain opened the scoring in the 22nd minute after teenage star Lamine Yamal was brought down inside the penalty area by France defender Lucas Digne. Oyarzabal stepped up and calmly converted the penalty, sending goalkeeper Mike Maignan the wrong way for his fifth goal of the tournament.
The goal marked the first time France had fallen behind during the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
France suffered another setback just eight minutes later when central defender William Saliba was forced off through injury, disrupting Didier Deschamps’ defensive setup.
Despite boasting an attack led by Kylian Mbappé, which had scored 15 goals in five matches before the semi-final, France struggled to break down Spain’s disciplined defence.
Spain continued to control possession and created the better chances throughout the contest.
Their dominance was rewarded again in the 58th minute when Pedro Porro doubled the advantage. The full-back combined brilliantly with Dani Olmo in a quick one-two on the edge of the penalty area before slotting the ball into the net for only the second international goal of his career.
France pushed forward in search of a comeback, but Spain’s organised defence kept their dangerous attacking players quiet and preserved a deserved clean sheet.
The victory sends Spain into the 2026 FIFA World Cup final, where they will face the winner of the second semi-final between England and Argentina.
Spain will now have the opportunity to win the FIFA World Cup for the second time when they contest the final on July 19, hoping to add another global title to their growing list of international achievements.
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