Spain have reached the 2026 World Cup final after delivering a stunning 2-0 victory over tournament favourites France in a commanding semi-final performance at the AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas.

The European champions produced a disciplined tactical display to end France’s hopes of winning a third World Cup title, with Mikel Oyarzabal’s first-half penalty and Pedro Porro’s second-half strike sealing a famous victory.

Spain, champions in 2010, will now face either Argentina or England in Sunday’s final in New Jersey as they chase another global crown.

France arrived at the semi-final as one of the strongest teams in the tournament after an impressive attacking run, but their star-studded forward line failed to make an impact against Spain’s organised defence and dominant midfield.

The Spanish midfield trio of Rodri, Fabian Ruiz and Dani Olmo controlled the match from the opening minutes, repeatedly exposing France’s midfield pairing of Adrien Rabiot and Aurelien Tchouameni.

Spain’s aggressive start paid off in the 20th minute when a Marc Cucurella cross caused confusion inside the French penalty area. Lucas Digne failed to clear properly and caught Lamine Yamal while attempting to recover the ball, giving Spain a penalty.

Oyarzabal stepped up and calmly converted from the spot, beating goalkeeper Mike Maignan to put Spain ahead.

France’s problems increased shortly afterwards when defender William Saliba was forced off with an injury in the 31st minute, with Maxence Lacroix coming on as his replacement.

Despite trailing, France created some dangerous moments before halftime, with Kylian Mbappe coming close after a clever pass from Rabiot, but goalkeeper Unai Simon reacted quickly to deny him.

Spain returned from the break with renewed control and doubled their advantage in the 58th minute. A brilliant exchange between Pedro Porro and Dani Olmo opened up the French defence before Porro finished clinically past Maignan.

France attempted to respond through substitutions, but Spain’s defensive structure remained firm. A late chance for Mbappe was blocked, while Spain saw a third goal ruled out after Yamal was judged to be offside.

The defeat marked a disappointing end for France, whose attacking stars—including Mbappe, Ballon d’Or winner Ousmane Dembele, Bradley Barcola and Michael Olise—were unable to break through Spain’s defensive organisation.

Spain manager Luis de la Fuente praised his players for remaining loyal to their football philosophy.

“We started almost four years ago with an idea and we’ve been faithful to that idea and it’s brought us here,” De la Fuente said.

France coach Didier Deschamps admitted his team failed to reach their usual standards.

“We were a notch below our usual level technically, facing a team that really had a handle on the game,” Deschamps said.

Meanwhile, the second semi-final will see England face Argentina in Atlanta in a highly anticipated clash featuring two of football’s biggest names, Harry Kane and Lionel Messi.

Kane said England would focus purely on the football despite the historic rivalry between both nations, including memories of Argentina’s controversial 1986 World Cup victory.

“From a player’s point of view it’s us against a great team,” Kane said.

The winner of that encounter will meet Spain in Sunday’s final.