European champions, Spain put on a superb display to beat favourites France 2-0 in the first semi final of the 2026 World Cup at the Dallas Stadium, Tuesday night.
In a game billed as the best attack versus the most resilient defence, the French formidable strike force of leading scorer, Kylian Mbappe, Ballon d’or winner Ousemane Dembele, assist specialist Michael Olise and Bradley Barcola were blunted as Spain, managed by Luis de la Fuente superbly controlled the game and struck crucial blows.
They went ahead in the 22nd minute when French left-back Lucas Digne fouled Lamine Yamal in the penalty area as he tried to clear the ball.
The spot-kick was confidently thumped into the corner by Mikel Oyarzabal for his first goal of the tournament.
With a lead to protect, Spain’s control of the game increased to the frustration of France whose cause was not helped when first choice centre-back William Saliba was forced off with an injury in the 30th minute.
The game was effectively over as a contest in the 58th minute as full-back Pedro Porro played a lovely one-two with Dani Olmo before slotting in the second goal for Spain at the near post.
With a little more than half an hour to save themselves, France were again thwarted in their attempts to break down an incredibly disciplined Spain outfit, who have conceded just once all tournament.
The loss means the French hopes of making a third final in succession are over as they go into Saturday’s third-place play-off, which will represent the end of an era with coach Didier Deschamps departing at the end of the tournament after 14 years at the helm.
Meanwhile, Spain will now travel to New Jersey, where they will await the winners of Wednesday’s second semi-final between England and Argentina, as they bid to win the World Cup for just the second time.