Spain is heading to the FIFA World Cup final after a commanding defensive performance silenced France’s star-studded attack in a 2-0 semifinal victory on Tuesday.
The 2010 champions recorded their sixth clean sheet in seven matches, shutting down a French frontline led by captain Kylian Mbappé, Ballon d’Or winner Ousmane Dembélé and tournament assist leader Michael Olise.
Mikel Oyarzabal scored from the penalty spot in the 22nd minute before Pedro Porro doubled Spain’s advantage in the second half, sending La Roja into its second World Cup final.
“We were up against one of the best national teams in the world, but today, they were facing the best team in the world,” Spain coach Luis de la Fuente said.
Teenage star Lamine Yamal played a key role in Spain’s opening goal a day after celebrating his 19th birthday. Yamal raced into the penalty area to challenge France defender Lucas Digne and drew a foul, allowing Oyarzabal to convert from the spot.
The goal was Oyarzabal’s fifth of the tournament and his 30th in 60 international appearances for Spain.
Porro made it 2-0 in the 58th minute after combining with Dani Olmo in a quick give-and-go before finishing the move. Yamal appeared to add another goal shortly afterwards, but his effort was ruled out for a narrow offside.
Spain’s defence shuts down Mbappé
France struggled to break through Spain’s organized defensive structure despite entering the semifinal with one of the tournament’s most dangerous attacking lineups.
Mbappé, who had scored 20 goals in his first 20 World Cup appearances before Tuesday’s match, failed to put any of his three shots on target.
France coach Didier Deschamps acknowledged Spain’s ability to close down space and said technical errors prevented his team from creating enough opportunities.
Spain has now outscored its opponents 12-1 since opening the tournament with a scoreless draw against Cape Verde. Goalkeeper Unai Simón’s only conceded goal came against Belgium in the quarterfinals, ending his World Cup record streak of 650 scoreless minutes.
The semifinal victory also extended Spain’s unbeaten run in regulation time to 37 matches, with 28 wins and nine draws since March 2024. The streak surpasses the country’s previous record of 35 consecutive matches without a regulation-time defeat between 2007 and 2009.
Spain has now defeated France in tournament semifinals in three consecutive summers. La Roja beat the French 2-1 in the Euro 2024 semifinals and secured a 5-4 Nations League victory last year.
Mbappé denied third consecutive World Cup final
The defeat ended France’s bid to become only the third nation to reach three consecutive World Cup finals.
France will instead play in the third-place match in Miami Gardens, Florida, on Saturday. The loss also snapped the team’s six-game World Cup winning streak.
Mbappé remains tied with Argentina captain Lionel Messi for the tournament’s Golden Boot lead with eight goals. The French captain currently holds the advantage on the assist tiebreaker and will have one final opportunity to add to his tally in the third-place game.
Messi, meanwhile, could still play two more matches as Argentina prepares to face England in Wednesday’s second semifinal in Atlanta.
Spain will meet the winner of Argentina and England in Sunday’s World Cup final in East Rutherford, New Jersey.
“So difficult to get to this moment, but we want more,” Spain midfielder Rodri said. “We want to win this World Cup.”
