Spain Becomes France's Nightmare, La Furia Roja Advances to the 2026 World Cup Final

Spain national team advanced to the 2026 World Cup final after defeating France 2-0 in the semi-final match held at AT&T Stadium, Arlington, Texas, early Wednesday WIB. Both goals for La Furia Roja were scored by Mikel Oyarzabal and Pedro Porro.

Spain immediately took initiative to control the game right from kick-off in the first half. Luis de la Fuente's squad dominated ball possession through quick passing combinations, forcing France to sit back deep in their own half.

The breakthrough moment arrived in the 20th minute when Lamine Yamal was fouled by Lucas Digne inside the penalty box. The referee did not hesitate to point straight to the penalty spot.

Entrusted as the penalty taker, Mikel Oyarzabal executed his duty perfectly. His powerful strike towards the left side of the goal could not be reached by Mike Maignan. Spain took a 1-0 lead in the 22nd minute.

France's situation worsened when they lost their key defender William Saliba to an injury in the 30th minute. He was replaced by Maxence Lacroix, who then partnered Dayot Upamecano in the backline.

Les Bleus attempted to respond five minutes later. Bradley Barcola fired a shot from outside the penalty area, but the ball sailed well over Unai Simon's crossbar.

Spain had a chance to double their advantage in the 37th minute. Receiving a pass from Lamine Yamal, Fabian Ruiz's flick was blocked by the French defence line just before crossing the goal line.

Until the half-time break, France failed to find a way through Spain's defence. The 1-0 lead for La Furia Roja remained intact heading into half time.

Upon entering the second half, Spain played with even more aggression. Oyarzabal threatened with a long range effort, though the ball still flew over Maignan's goal.

France tried to step up the intensity of their attacks. Barcola made several piercing runs down the left flank, but Pedro Porro's disciplined defending shut down every French opportunity before they could properly threaten Unai Simon's goal.

Spain extended their lead in the 58th minute. Pedro Porro made an overlapping run down the right wing, before finishing off a neat build-up combination with Dani Olmo. The score became 2-0.

Three minutes later, Lamine Yamal managed to put the ball into France's net. However, the young Barcelona player's celebration was cut short, as VAR confirmed he had been in an offside position before the goal was scored.

Trailing by two goals, Kylian Mbappé and his teammates pushed hard for a comeback goal. Les Bleus' best chance came in the 81st minute, when Desire Doue unleashed a powerful shot from outside the penalty area. But Unai Simon produced a magnificent save to preserve his side's lead.

Late in the match, Mbappé received a yellow card for a foul on Simon. The French captain got another opportunity from a free kick shortly afterwards, but failed to reduce the deficit as his effort went over the crossbar.

When the final whistle blew, the 2-0 scoreline remained, sealing victory for Spain. This result confirms La Furia Roja's place in the 2026 World Cup final, where they will face either Argentina or England.

Starting Lineups

France: Mike Maignan; Jules Kounde, Dayot Upamecano, William Saliba, Lucas Digne; Aurelien Tchouameni, Adrien Rabiot; Ousmane Dembele, Michael Olise, Bradley Barcola; Kylian Mbappe.

Spain: Unai Simon; Pedro Porro, Pau Cubarsi, Aymeric Laporte, Marc Cucurella; Rodri, Fabian Ruiz; Lamine Yamal, Dani Olmo, Alex Baena; Mikel Oyarzabal