France

Spain defeated France 2-0 in the 2026 FIFA World Cup semi-final through disciplined defensive organization, authoritative midfield control, and clinical execution in decisive moments. Mikel Oyarzabal’s 22nd-minute penalty conversion, created by Lamine Yamal’s intelligent movement, established early Spanish dominance, while Pedro Porro’s second-half strike after combining with Dani Olmo secured the decisive margin. Luis de la Fuente’s tactical system effectively neutralized France’s transition threat by closing central passing lanes and forcing Kylian Mbappé, Ousmane Dembélé and Michael Olise into isolated wide positions where their impact remained limited.