Spain stun France to storm into World Cup final

By Kazeem Ugbodaga

Spain landed into the 2026 World Cup final on Tuesday, overpowering France with an impressive 2-0 victory in the semi-final, producing a disciplined display to subdue Didier Deschamps’ side.

Mikel Oyarzabal opened the scoring in the 22nd minute, calmly converting a penalty after France’s Lucas Digne was penalised for a foul inside the box.

France struggled to break down Spain’s organised defence despite enjoying spells of possession. Their frustrations were compounded by an injury to defender William Saliba, who was forced off in the 30th minute and replaced by Maxence Lacroix.

Spain doubled their advantage in the 58th minute when Dani Olmo threaded a precise pass into the box for Pedro Porro, who finished clinically to make it 2-0.

France attempted to mount a comeback, with Kylian Mbappe, Ousmane Dembele and Desire Doue testing the Spanish defence, but goalkeeper Unai Simon produced key saves to preserve Spain’s lead. Mbappe was also booked late in the contest after a rash challenge.

Spain thought they had added a third goal through Lamine Yamal, but the effort was ruled out for offside.

Roared on by a crowd of 70,176, Spain controlled the closing stages with composed defending and tactical substitutions to protect their two-goal advantage.

The result sends Spain into the World Cup final after a commanding performance against one of Europe’s strongest sides.