On Tuesday, July 14, 2026, Spain secured a 2-0 victory over France in the World Cup semifinals held in Arlington, Texas, advancing to the final for the first time since their 2010 championship win. Mikel Oyarzabal opened the scoring with a penalty kick in the 22nd minute, awarded after teenager Lamine Yamal skillfully drew a foul from French defender Lucas Digne.

Pedro Porro added a second goal in the 58th minute following a quick give-and-go with Dani Olmo, putting Spain firmly in control. Shortly after, Yamal, who had just turned 19, was denied a goal due to a close offside call.

Spain will face either defending champion Argentina or England in the final on Sunday, July 19, 2026, at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey. Meanwhile, France, the top-ranked FIFA team led by Kylian Mbappé, will compete in the third-place game on Saturday, July 18, in Miami Gardens, Florida.

Yamal has been a rising star for Spain, having scored in the 2024 European Championship semifinals just before his 17th birthday and contributing to Spain's Nations League victory last year. Prior to this match, Yamal expressed confidence that France should fear Spain.

This win ends France's bid to become the third team to reach three consecutive World Cup finals.

Sources