Spain reached the 2026 World Cup Final with a dominant 2-0 victory over France in the semi-final at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas, on Tuesday, 14 July 2026 (8:00 PM WAT).
Mikel Oyarzabal converted a penalty in the 22nd minute after Lamine Yamal was fouled by Lucas Digne, and Pedro Porro drove home a clinical second on 58 minutes to end France’s tournament.
Spain face either England or Argentina in the final at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey on Sunday. France, who arrived in Arlington as favourites, leave without a shot on target in the first half for the third time in this World Cup.
Furthermore, the manner of the defeat stunned even those who expected Spain to be competitive. William Saliba went off injured in the 30th minute, replacing a key cog in France’s defensive structure with Maxence Lacroix.
Even accounting for that setback, France created nothing. Patrick Vieira, speaking on ITV, was unsparing in his analysis. “Spain won the game in every aspect,” he said. “The French team didn’t turn up at all. It wasn’t one or two players. It was all of them collectively. It was really bad.”
The statistics confirm Vieira’s verdict entirely. France generated an xG of 0.30 against Spain’s 1.63. France created zero big chances across 90 minutes. Spain created three. Maignan finished without a single save. Unai Simón made three.
According to Sofascore, Spain won 68 per cent of aerial duels and committed zero errors leading to a shot, compared to France’s two. Luis de la Fuente’s side did not just win. They controlled France in every meaningful measure of the game.
Table of Contents
Match Details
- France 0-2 Spain
- Venue: AT&T Stadium, Arlington, Texas
- Date: Tuesday, 14 July 2026 (8:00 PM WAT)
- Goalscorers: Mikel Oyarzabal (22′ pen), Pedro Porro (58′)
- Assists: Lamine Yamal (pen won), Dani Olmo (58′)
- Attendance: 70,176
- Referee: Iván Barton (El Salvador)
- Player of the Match: Pedro Porro (8.1 Sofascore rating)
Also Read: Who Will Win the 2026 FIFA World Cup From the Final Eight Teams
Key Match Statistics
- France Possession: 49, Spain Possession: 51
- France xG: 0.30, Spain xG: 1.63
- France big chances: 0, Spain big chances: 3
- France shots on target: 3 (all in second half), Spain shots on target: 2
- Spain aerial duels won: 17 of 25 (68%), France: 8 of 25 (32%)
- Spain tackles: 22, France tackles: 14
- Spain clearances: 22, France clearances: 11
- France errors leading to shots: 2, Spain: 0
- Spain corners: 1, France corners: 7 (France won territory, not quality)
Yamal Wins the Penalty, Oyarzabal Converts
Adrien Rabiot picked up a yellow card in just the eighth minute for a foul on the edge of Spain’s box, setting a physical tone that France struggled to manage throughout. Spain absorbed the early pressure, refused to panic, and waited for their moment. It arrived in the 22nd minute.
Cucurella drove the ball wide from the left, Yamal sprinted into the penalty area ahead of Lucas Digne, and the France left-back made contact. Digne appeared unaware of Yamal’s run. Referee Iván Barton pointed to the spot without hesitation. Oyarzabal placed the ball to Maignan’s right, and the goalkeeper went left. Spain led.
Saliba then limped off in the 30th minute, replaced by Lacroix. France’s defensive structure, already under pressure, weakened noticeably. Spain did not score before half-time, but they also barely looked troubled.
Porro Seals It: The Goal That Ended France’s Night
France introduced Manu Koné at half time and Desire Doué early in the second half, seeking urgency and individual brilliance. Neither change produced what was needed. Spain were too organised, too disciplined, and too compact.
Porro sealed the win in the 58th minute. Dani Olmo received the ball on the edge of France’s box, drew the challenge from Upamecano, and slipped a perfectly weighted pass to Porro arriving on the right side. Porro struck it cleanly, low and to the bottom right corner. 2-0. Match over.
Porro said afterwards: “It’s a dream come true. Never in my wildest dreams really. We did everything we knew we needed to do today to get through. We knew that to counter their strengths, getting close to the ball was key. And we did that.”
Rodri, whose midfield performance was arguably the performance of the tournament so far, completed 59 of 68 passes, won 11 duels and 4 aerials, and drew 3 fouls. He was the engine behind everything Spain built. “Composure is the key of this team,” he said to Fox after the final whistle. “To wait for your moments, to not get crazy if they punish you because they are a very good team”.
Mbappé, meanwhile, received a yellow card in the 86th minute out of frustration, having finished the match with three shots, none on target, and three offside flags.
Sunday’s Final
De la Fuente was emotional but composed speaking to Television Española after the match. “Almost four years ago, when we began, we had an idea, and we’ve remained faithful to that idea,” he said. “I’m really proud.” Spain reach their second World Cup Final in history and their first since lifting the trophy in 2010.
Sunday’s final at MetLife Stadium pits them against either England or Argentina. Both semi-finals from the quarter-final preview suggested that England vs Argentina would be the other tie. Whoever wins in Atlanta on Wednesday arrives in New Jersey facing a Spain side that just held France scoreless with a 0.30 xG. Sunday will be a serious examination of whoever gets there.
Also Read: England Beat Norway 2-1 to Reach 2026 World Cup Semi-Finals
