By TRH Sports Desk
Spain are into the 2026 World Cup final! Goals from Oyarzabal (pen) and Porro sealed a 2-0 win over France in Dallas. La Roja will face Argentina or England on July 19.
New Delhi, July 14, 2026 — Spain booked their place in a second World Cup final in the space of 16 years after a composed 2-0 victory over holders-in-waiting France in the first semi-final of the 2026 tournament at Dallas Stadium. Goals from Mikel Oyarzabal and Pedro Porro ended France’s bid for a third straight final and sent the European champions through to face the winner of Argentina and England on July 19.
The breakthrough came just after the midway point of the first half. According to French outlet Footmercato, the French backline unravelled when Lucas Digne mishandled a cross before catching Lamine Yamal, a game France lost 0-2 to Spain despite being outclassed in every department. Mikel Oyarzabal stepped up and sent goalkeeper Mike Maignan the wrong way from the penalty spot to make it 1-0 in the 22nd minute.
France’s attacking trio of Kylian Mbappé, Ousmane Dembélé and Bradley Barcola struggled to find rhythm against a well-organised Spanish defence. French public broadcaster franceinfo described the collapse as a shattering blow for Les Bleus, a heavy disillusionment for the France squad.
Spain doubled their advantage in the 58th minute when right-back Pedro Porro finished off a slick one-two with Dani Olmo, slotting past Maignan to make it 2-0. The defeat closes out Didier Deschamps’ final tournament in charge.
Footmercato’s post-match analysis singled out Spain’s midfield anchor for special praise, noting that Rodri, long criticized for his form dips at Manchester City after winning the Ballon d’Or in 2024, appeared to have set the record straight at this World Cup with a controlling display alongside Fabián Ruiz.
Spain, European champions and unbeaten across the tournament bar one goal conceded, will now chase a second World Cup title following their 2010 triumph in South Africa. For France, the defeat draws the curtain on Deschamps’ 14-year reign as head coach, with the veteran boss having already confirmed he will step down once the tournament concludes, per franceinfo’s coverage of the buildup.
Spain’s final opponent will be decided in the second semi-final between England and Argentina, with the showpiece match scheduled for July 19 in New Jersey.
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