Spain are into the World Cup final after a controlled, clinical 2-0 win over France in Dallas.
The semi-final was billed as a meeting of the tournament’s two standout sides, but one which never caught fire for Didier Deschamps’ team. Goals in each half from Mikel Oyarzabal and Pedro Porro settled it, sending the European champions through to Sunday’s showpiece against either England or Argentina.
France arrived with the joint-top scorer Kylian Mbappé and the World Cup’s top assist-maker Michael Olise, but neither could influence a game Spain managed from the opening whistle.
Luis de la Fuente’s side, unbeaten in 37 matches across all competitions, were simply sharper, cleaner and more cohesive. France, by contrast, produced one of their poorest displays of the tournament at the worst possible moment.
Spain took control
The semi-final had been hyped as a heavyweight clash, but Spain settled quicker and imposed their rhythm. Their first breakthrough came at 22 minutes. Lucas Digne, attempting to clear inside his own box, caught Lamine Yamal. The contact was clear, the penalty awarded, and Oyarzabal stepped up to slam his finish past Mike Maignan.
It was a moment that underlined Spain’s composure. Even with France’s frontline on the pitch, Mbappé, Ousmane Dembele, Olise could not trouble Spain. Their midfield combinations were crisp, their press well-timed, and their wide players constantly stretching the game.
France’s response was minimal. William Saliba’s injury on the half-hour, forcing Maxence Lacroix into action, added to their problems.
Spain continued to create the cleaner chances. A slick move on 38 minutes saw Dani Olmo backheel into Yamal, whose cross found Fabian Ruiz. His effort was blocked just wide – another warning for France.
Porro doubles the lead
Spain’s second goal arrived at 58 minutes and reflected the fluency they carried throughout. Porro exchanged passes with Olmo, broke into space, and finished low for 2-0. It was a simple, well-executed move, and it effectively ended the contest.
Three minutes later, Yamal thought he had added a third, bursting through and finishing, but he was narrowly offside. It didn’t matter. Spain were in complete control, and France had still not registered a shot on target.
Olise, who came into the match with five assists in the tournament, was substituted at 72 minutes. His output summed up France’s night. Just two chances created, no completed dribbles, and little influence.
Ferran Torres then headed wide for Spain as they hunted a third, while Unai Simon’s misjudged header gifted Désiré Doué a chance, but the France substitute shot straight at the scrambling keeper.
France’s first meaningful efforts on target didn’t arrive until stoppage time. By then, Spain were already cruising into the final.
Biggest test ends in defeat
Across this World Cup, France had looked complete. Their four-man frontline had been slick and decisive. Their defence had been solid, with clean sheets in all three knockout games before this one. Their depth was the envy of most nations.
Yet in Dallas, they were a shadow of that side. The first half was blunt, lacking tempo and invention.
Usually, France finds a second-half surge, but it never came. The air-conditioned stadium offered no lift, and Spain’s organisation denied them any rhythm.
The performance left France fans dejected. Bastille Day celebrations back home will have felt flat as supporters watched a team unable to produce their usual intensity. Spain were excellent, but this semi-final was defined just as much by France’s failure to fire.
France falls short
Didier Deschamps admitted his side were below their usual level. He pointed to technical errors, misplaced passes, and a lack of danger in attack. For a squad with such talent, it was a disappointing end and a subdued conclusion to his 14-year tenure.
France now head to Saturday’s third-place play-off, a fixture that will feel like a comedown after their ambitions of lifting the trophy.
Spain’s run continues
Spain’s consistency is remarkable. They beat France in the semi-finals of Euro 2024, and again in the Nations League semi-finals in 2025. This win makes it three straight knockout victories over Les Bleus. More importantly, it extends their unbeaten run to 37 matches – a joint-record for a European nation.
Huge praise must be given to Luis de la Fuente and his players, for their commitment, solidarity, talent, and how they make difficult tasks look simple.
This Spain side began this cycle with a clear idea and have stuck to it. The result is a team primed to repeat the Euros–World Cup double they achieved in 2010.
They will take some stopping in New York.
Key moments
- 22 mins – goal: Oyarzabal converts from the spot after Digne kicks Yamal.
- 30 mins – injury: Saliba forced off; Lacroix replaces him.
- 38 mins – close: Olmo’s backheel releases Yamal; Ruiz’s shot blocked wide.
- 58 mins – goal: Porro finishes after linking with Olmo.
- 61 mins – no goal: Yamal scores but is offside.
- 72 mins – sub: Olise withdrawn after ineffective display.
- 79 mins – miss: Torres heads wide.
- 81 mins – error: Simon’s poor header gives Doue a chance; he shoots at the keeper.
Spain sharper, France subdued
Spain’s control was total. Their midfield dictated, their wide players stretched France, and their defensive structure kept Mbappé quiet. Dembélé, Olise and the rest of France’s attack were blunted, unable to find space or combine with any fluency.
France’s technical errors were costly. Passes went astray, transitions broke down, and their usual second-half lift never materialised. Spain didn’t need to be spectacular either; they simply needed to maintain their level. They did exactly that.
What’s next
Spain move on to Sunday’s final, where they will face either England or Argentina. Both opponents present different challenges, but Spain’s form, cohesion and unbeaten run make them formidable.
France, meanwhile, must regroup for the third-place play-off. It is not the stage they expected to be on, and the performance in Dallas will linger.
Featured image via NBC News
By Faz Ali
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