Spain secured a place in the 2026 FIFA World Cup final with a convincing 2-0 victory over France on Tuesday in Arlington, Texas. The win marks Spain’s second consecutive major final, following their success at the 2024 European Championship, and positions them to potentially claim a second World Cup title 16 years after their first in 2010.

Mikel Oyarzabal opened the scoring early with a penalty in the 22nd minute, awarded after a foul on Lamine Yamal by France’s Lucas Digne. Pedro Porro doubled the lead in the 58th minute following a well-executed one-two with Dani Olmo. Spain maintained strong defensive discipline throughout the match, keeping a sixth clean sheet in seven tournament games, while effectively neutralizing France’s potent attack led by Kylian Mbappé, who did not manage a shot on target until after the 80th minute.

Spain’s manager Luis de la Fuente praised his team’s commitment, solidarity, and talent, describing them as “the best team in the world.” He highlighted the group’s collective spirit and humility, emphasizing their shared purpose and absence of ego as key to their success. De la Fuente also referenced the long-term project behind the team’s progress, noting that the squad has remained faithful to a strategic idea developed over nearly four years.

The win extends Spain’s dominance over France in recent competitive encounters, marking their third consecutive semi-final triumph against the two-time world champions, including victories at Euro 2024 and the 2025 Nations League.

Porro described the victory as “a dream come true,” underscoring the team’s discipline and control throughout the match, especially in managing France’s transition play. Spain will face either reigning champions Argentina or England in Sunday’s final in East Rutherford, New Jersey, both sides set to contest their own semi-final in Atlanta on Wednesday.

France’s coach Didier Deschamps, who will step down following this tournament, acknowledged the team’s shortcomings in attack and praised Spain’s performance as being on a “different level.” The defeat on Bastille Day was a disappointment for the French side aiming for a third consecutive World Cup final appearance. French President Emmanuel Macron offered consolation, commending the team’s commitment and promising a bright future despite the setback.

A minute of silence was observed prior to kick-off in memory of the victims of the 2016 terror attack in Nice, commemorating a decade since the tragedy.

The Spanish royal family publicly celebrated the team’s achievement, with King Felipe VI congratulating the squad and coach de la Fuente following the win. The king’s message emphasized national pride and encouragement ahead of the final.

With momentum on their side, Spain aims to build on this momentum and capture the World Cup crown once again, drawing inspiration from the spirit of their 2010 victory and the unity that has defined their current campaign.