Spain ended France‘s bid for a historic third successive World Cup final appearance with a commanding 2-0 victory in the semi-finals in Dallas. Mikel Oyarzabal and Pedro Porro scored the decisive goals as La Roja secured their place in the final for the first time since their 2010 triumph.
The defeat at Arlington brings a sobering conclusion to France’s previously perfect tournament campaign. Didier Deschamps’ side had won every match en route to the last four but now face a bronze medal contest on 18 July, while Spain advance to meet either England or Argentina in the 19 July final in New Jersey.
Les Bleus fell behind when Lucas Digne conceded a penalty after bringing down Lamine Yamal during a clumsy clearance attempt. Oyarzabal converted the spot-kick past Milan goalkeeper Mike Maignan to give Spain the lead. The setback compounded France’s difficulties, with defender William Saliba forced off midway through the first half due to a recurring back injury. Maxence Lacroix replaced the Arsenal centre-back.
Spain’s control was evident throughout the opening period, with Fabián Ruiz threatening to extend the lead before the break, only to be denied by a last-ditch block from Upamecano. France’s first genuine opportunity arrived when Kylian Mbappé raced onto a through ball, but Unai Simón sprinted from his line to clear the danger.
Deschamps made a further change at the interval, introducing Roma’s Manu Koné for Adrien Rabiot, who had received a yellow card during the opening period. Bradley Barcola, preferred to Désiré Doué in the starting eleven, was later substituted for the Paris Saint-Germain youngster shortly before the hour mark.
Spain doubled their advantage early in the second half when Pedro Porro finished clinically at the near post following a swift exchange with Dani Olmo. Lamine Yamal thought he had added a third shortly afterwards, but the strike was ruled out for offside.
France’s celebrated attacking resources, which have driven their campaign throughout the tournament, struggled to penetrate a resolute Spanish midfield. Kylian Mbappé failed to register a shot on target, while Ousmane Dembélé and Michael Olise found little space against the tournament’s meanest defence. The closest Les Bleus came was when Unai Simón rushed from his goal to clear, narrowly preventing Doué from firing into an empty net.
The result marks Spain’s return to the World Cup final after a 16-year absence, while France miss the opportunity to contest a third consecutive final for the first time in their history.