Spain Stun France 2-0 to Reach FIFA World Cup Final

July.15 (Mirror Sports) - Spain produced a tactical masterclass to stun tournament favourites France 2-0 on Tuesday and book their place in the FIFA World Cup 2026 final.

A first-half penalty from Mikel Oyarzabal and a composed finish from Pedro Porro after the break fired the European champions into Sunday's title decider, where they will face either Argentina or England in New Jersey.

France entered the semi-final as the overwhelming favourites after an explosive, goal-filled run through the tournament. However, Didier Deschamps' star-studded side was completely outplayed by a disciplined and dominant Spanish performance, failing to score for the first time in the competition.

Spain, the 2010 champions, controlled the match from the opening whistle as Rodri, Fabián Ruiz and Dani Olmo dictated the midfield battle and denied France any rhythm. The much-feared French attack featuring Kylian Mbappé, Ousmane Dembélé, Bradley Barcola and Michael Olise struggled to create clear-cut opportunities against Spain's organised defence.

After dominating the early exchanges, Spain earned a deserved breakthrough in the 20th minute. A dangerous cross from Marc Cucurella forced Lucas Digne into a poor clearance attempt before the French defender brought down Lamine Yamal inside the penalty area. Referee Iván Barton immediately pointed to the spot, and Oyarzabal calmly converted the penalty past Mike Maignan to give Spain a 1-0 lead.

France's problems deepened midway through the first half when defender William Saliba was forced off with an injury and replaced by Maxence Lacroix. Spain continued to control possession and almost doubled their advantage before the interval, only for Dayot Upamecano to make a crucial block to deny Fabián Ruiz.

France enjoyed a brief spell of pressure before half-time, but goalkeeper Unai Simón produced a superb save to deny Mbappé after a clever through ball from Adrien Rabiot.

Spain regained full control after the restart and delivered the decisive blow in the 58th minute. Porro combined brilliantly with Olmo in a quick one-two before bursting into the penalty area and calmly lifting his finish beyond Maignan to double Spain's advantage.

Spain thought they had added a third moments later when Yamal found the net, but the goal was ruled out for a marginal offside decision.

Deschamps responded with several substitutions, but France could not find a way through Spain's disciplined defence. Mbappé's best effort was brilliantly blocked by Simón, while the French captain's late booking reflected a frustrating night for Les Bleus.

The victory sends Spain into their first FIFA World Cup final since lifting the trophy in South Africa in 2010. They will now face either defending champions Argentina or England on Sunday, with a second world title within reach after one of the tournament's most complete performances.