Oyarzabal and Porro strikes send La Roja through to face England or Argentina in New York
Spain booked their place in the FIFA World Cup 2026 final with a controlled 2-0 win over France in Wednesday’s semi-final at Dallas Stadium, goals from Mikel Oyarzabal and Pedro Porro securing a result that few inside the stadium could argue against.
How the Match Unfolded
France arrived as narrow favourites and had early sight of goal through Kylian Mbappe on the counter-attack, but it was Spain who created the game’s first genuine opening. Just after the 20-minute mark, teenager Lamine Yamal — playing his first match since turning 19 — was fouled by Lucas Digne inside the penalty area. Oyarzabal stepped up and beat France goalkeeper Mike Maignan from the spot in the 22nd minute to give Luis de la Fuente’s side the lead.
Spain doubled their advantage just after the hour mark. In the 58th minute, Pedro Porro combined with Dani Olmo in a quick one-two before finishing coolly into the bottom corner to make it 2-0.
France introduced attacking substitutes Desire Doue and Rayan Cherki in search of a way back into the game, but Spain’s defence held firm. Goalkeeper Unai Simon was alert off his line throughout, and a well-timed tackle from Marc Cucurella snuffed out a late Mbappe threat. The match finished 2-0, sending Spain into the final and France into Saturday’s third-place play-off.
Spain Return to the World Cup Final
This is only the second time Spain have reached a World Cup semi-final in the modern era to convert it into a final appearance — their previous run ended in the 2010 final, when Andres Iniesta’s extra-time goal beat the Netherlands at Soccer City in Johannesburg.
Spain will now face the winner of the England vs Argentina semi-final in the World Cup final at New York New Jersey Stadium on Sunday.
Key Stats From Spain’s Win Over France
- Mikel Oyarzabal has now scored 18 goals in his last 20 appearances for Spain. His penalty against France also moved him to 30 international goals, making him only the sixth Spanish player to reach that mark — joining David Silva (35), Alvaro Morata (37), Fernando Torres (38), Raul (44), and David Villa (59).
- Spain’s defence has been the standout of the tournament so far. Wednesday’s win was their sixth clean sheet in seven matches at the 2026 World Cup, and they have conceded just two goals across the entire North American tournament. The record for fewest goals conceded by a World Cup-winning side is two, shared by France (1998), Italy (2006), and Spain themselves (2010) — a mark La Roja are now on course to match.
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