Spain have reached their first FIFA World Cup final in 16 years after beating France 2-0 in Dallas, delivering one of their most controlled performances of the tournament against its most prolific attack.
Mikel Oyarzabal opened the scoring from the penalty spot after Lucas Digne caught Lamine Yamal while attempting to clear the ball. Pedro Porro doubled Spain’s lead in the second half, finishing a move involving Dani Olmo as France struggled to regain control through midfield.
France entered the semi-final with the strongest attacking numbers at the World Cup. Kylian Mbappé had scored eight goals, Ousmane Dembélé had five, while Michael Olise and Bradley Barcola had played key roles in an attack that had repeatedly overwhelmed opponents.
Against Spain, France did not register a shot on target until the 81st minute.
Mbappé spent long periods isolated and was repeatedly caught offside. Olise struggled to find the final pass, while Dembélé and Barcola moved across the attack without creating the openings France had found in previous matches.
Much of Spain’s advantage came through the centre of the pitch. Rodri controlled possession alongside Fabián Ruiz and Olmo, helping Spain move the ball through periods of French pressure and recover it quickly when possession was lost.
Olmo’s positioning behind France’s midfield created repeated problems. Shortly before Porro scored Spain’s second goal, France had already allowed Spain to move into a similar area through the centre. Porro later combined with Olmo before finishing over goalkeeper Mike Maignan.
France coach Didier Deschamps introduced Désiré Doué and Rayan Cherki as he attempted to change the attack, but Spain were already two goals ahead. Doué eventually produced France’s first shot on target in the 81st minute after Unai Simón rushed out to deny Mbappé.
The victory extends Spain’s remarkable run under Luis de la Fuente. Excluding their penalty shootout defeat to Portugal in last year’s Nations League final, Spain have not lost a match since March 2023 and entered the semi-final unbeaten in 36 games. They also hold the best defensive record at this World Cup.
Spain will now face England or Argentina in Sunday’s final at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey. Their last appearance in a World Cup final came in 2010, when Andrés Iniesta’s extra-time goal against the Netherlands delivered the country’s first world title.
Sixteen years later, Spain are one win away from another.
