Spain defeated France 2-0 in the World Cup semi-final held on July 14, 2026, in Arlington, Texas [1, 2, 3, 4]. Mikel Oyarzabal opened the scoring with a penalty in the 22nd minute after Lucas Digne fouled Lamine Yamal inside the box [2, 4, 5]. Pedro Porro doubled Spain's lead shortly before the hour mark, scoring just before the 60th minute [1, 2, 4].
France started with key players such as Mike Maignan, Jules Kounde, William Saliba, Lucas Digne, Aurelien Tchouameni, Adrien Rabiot, Ousmane Dembele, Michael Olise, Bradley Barcola, and captain Kylian Mbappe [3, 2]. Spain’s lineup included midfielders Rodri, Fabian Ruiz, and Dani Olmo, supported upfront by Alex Baena, Lamine Yamal, and Oyarzabal [3].
France struggled to contain Spain’s midfield, allowing Rodri and Fabian Ruiz ample time on the ball to control possession and dictate play [4, 5]. Mbappe said, "We were three against two in midfield and against Spain, that’s hard. Fabian and Rodri had plenty of time to play. There was a lack of communication on the press. I think we should have done man-to-man press and force them to run with us" [4]. He added, "We didn’t play the game we wanted, technically, tactically. When you don’t do what you have to do in a World Cup semi-final, you don’t win" [5].
French coach Didier Deschamps made a halftime substitution, replacing Adrien Rabiot to shift momentum, and later introduced Desire Doue and Rayan Cherki [2, 4]. William Saliba left the match injured in the second half after Spain’s first goal [2].
Spain played much of extra time with 10 men but still secured the win when Ferran Torres scored the final goal in the 106th minute [1].
Spain will face Argentina in the World Cup final after Argentina defeated England in the other semifinal [1, 3, 2, 6, 7, 8, 9]. The final is scheduled for July 17, 2026, in New Jersey [1, 9].
