FIFA WC 2026: Spain defeats France 2-0 to reach World Cup final
Spain defeated France 2-0 in the FIFA World Cup 2026 semi-final yesterday, July 14, at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas. Goals from Mikel Oyarzabal (penalty) and Pedro Porro secured La Roja's place in their second-ever World Cup final. The victory extends Spain's unbeaten run to 37 matches, equaling the international men's football record.
Spain solidified their status as a global football powerhouse, overcoming a formidable France side with a clinical 2-0 victory in the FIFA World Cup 2026 semi-final yesterday, July 14. The triumph at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas, sends La Roja into a highly anticipated final clash, while France will now contest the third-place playoff.
The semi-final, which kicked off at 3:00 PM ET, saw Spain extend their remarkable unbeaten streak to an astonishing 37 matches across all competitions, matching the longest such run in international men's football history. Their defensive masterclass against a star-studded French attack, spearheaded by Kylian Mbappé, marked Spain's sixth clean sheet of the tournament.
First-Half Breakthrough
The deadlock was broken in the 22nd minute when teenage sensation Lamine Yamal, just a day after his 19th birthday, demonstrated his exceptional agility and vision. Born on July 13, 2007, Yamal's performance was remarkable for a player of his age. Yamal drew a foul inside the penalty area from French defender Lucas Digne, resulting in a crucial spot-kick for Spain. Mikel Oyarzabal stepped up confidently and dispatched the penalty, recording his fifth goal of the tournament and giving Spain a vital lead. This goal was particularly significant as it marked the first time either team had trailed in their seven World Cup matches in this tournament.
France, unaccustomed to playing from behind, struggled to find their rhythm against a disciplined Spanish defence. Despite proactive, offensive-minded substitutions by coach Didier Deschamps in the first half, Les Bleus couldn't penetrate Spain's resilient backline.
Sealing the Deal
Spain doubled their advantage in the 58th minute through a beautifully worked goal. Dani Olmo orchestrated the move, linking up with Pedro Porro, who finished with precision to make it 2-0. Porro's goal, his second in the knockout rounds, cemented Spain's control over the match and deflated any lingering French hopes of a comeback. The Spanish midfield dictated terms, retaining possession and stifling France's creative outlets, ensuring a comfortable passage to the final.
Head-to-Head & Recent Form
This semi-final clash was only the second time these two European giants had met in a FIFA World Cup, with France winning their previous encounter 3-1 in the 2006 Round of 16. However, Spain has historically held an edge in their overall rivalry, boasting 18 wins compared to France's 13 in 38 meetings. More recently, Spain has dominated, winning three of the last four encounters, including a 2-1 victory in the Euro 2024 semi-finals and a thrilling 5-4 win in the UEFA Nations League semi-final in June 2025.
Both teams entered the semi-final in scintillating form. Spain had won their last five matches leading up to this game, including impressive World Cup victories over Saudi Arabia, Uruguay, and Austria. France also boasted a perfect record in their last five outings before the semi-final, with wins against Iraq, Norway, Sweden, Paraguay, and Morocco in the World Cup.
The Road Ahead
Spain now eagerly awaits the winner of the second semi-final between England and Argentina, scheduled for Wednesday, July 15, at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta. The 2026 FIFA World Cup Final is set to take place on Sunday, July 19, at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey.
Where to Watch the FIFA World Cup Final (July 19, 2026)
| Region | TV Channels | Streaming Platforms |
|---|---|---|
| USA (English) | Fox, FS1 | Fox One, Fubo, YouTube TV, Hulu + Live TV |
| USA (Spanish) | Telemundo, Universo | Peacock |
| UK | BBC, ITV | BBC iPlayer, ITVX |
| India | ZEE (Unite8 Sports 1, 1 HD, 2, 2 HD), DD Sports* | ZEE5 website/apps |
| Australia | SBS, SBS VICELAND | SBS On Demand |
| Canada | CTV, TSN, RDS (French) | Crave, TSN+ |
*DD Sports will broadcast quarter-finals, semi-finals, and final matches only.
Spain's journey to the final has been marked by defensive solidity and timely goals. They now stand one match away from a historic second World Cup title, showcasing a blend of experienced stars and exciting young talent capable of conquering the world stage. Their clash in the final promises to be an epic conclusion to the tournament.
(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Jul 15, 2026 06:18 AM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).
