Spain achieved a remarkable triumph at the 2026 FIFA World Cup by defeating France, the tournament favorites, 2-0 on Tuesday night in Dallas. The victory marks Spain’s most significant win of the competition.
Mikel Oyarzabal set Spain on the path to victory by converting a penalty in the 22nd minute. The penalty was awarded after France’s Lucas Digne inadvertently kicked Lamine Yamal within the box. Pedro Porro extended Spain’s lead in the 58th minute, executing a smooth one-two with Dani Olmo before slipping the ball past goalkeeper Mike Maignan.
Throughout the match, Spain exerted dominance, effectively neutralizing France’s star player Kylian Mbappe. Spain’s defense has become a highlight, as they haven’t conceded a single goal in six consecutive games—a World Cup record. Remarkably, they’ve only allowed one goal during the entire tournament.
After the match, head coach Luis de la Fuente expressed his satisfaction and optimism. He stated, “We had no doubt that by being ourselves, we were going to do a lot of damage to France. The message was that we were facing one of the best national teams in the world, but they were up against the best team in the world. And that’s the key. We are a team, and when you’re facing a team like us, then we’re unbeatable. And that’s how we feel right now.”
De la Fuente has been part of Spain’s national team coaching staff since 2013, progressing through various youth team roles to become the senior side’s head coach in 2022. With this victory, he maintains an impressive record against France, having faced them six times in semifinals across different team levels and securing five wins.
Spain’s opponent in the final will be determined by the outcome of the second semifinal between England and Argentina, scheduled to take place on Wednesday in Atlanta, Georgia. Argentina, the defending champions, won the previous World Cup in Qatar 2022, while England last claimed a major tournament victory in 1966 when they hosted the World Cup.
Coach de la Fuente expressed confidence in facing either team in the final, stating, “We welcome either of them with open arms.” The final will be held on Sunday, July 19, at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey.
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