Spain blanks France to reach final

"Spain wrapped itself around France like an anaconda before squeezing the life out of its attack."

That was how Reuters summed up Spain's 2-0 victory over France in the 2026 FIFA World Cup semifinal Wednesday at Dallas Stadium. Built on another commanding defensive performance, Spain advanced to its first World Cup final since winning the title in South Africa in 2010. A victory in the final would secure the country's second World Cup crown.

Anchored by Rodri, Spain's relentless high press smothered France from the opening whistle. Even tournament scoring leader Kylian Mbappe, who entered the match with eight goals, struggled to make an impact against Spain's disciplined defense. Rodri, the 2024 Ballon d'Or winner, won seven ground duels and four aerial contests. According to Opta, France produced just 0.3 expected goals, the lowest figure by a World Cup semifinalist since Sweden generated 0.1 against Brazil at the 1994 World Cup in the United States.

Spain also became the first team to keep six clean sheets at a single World Cup. Through seven matches, Belgium is the only opponent to have scored against Spain, doing so once in the quarterfinals. Another shutout in the final would give Spain the fewest goals conceded by a World Cup champion. The current record of two is shared by Spain in 2010, France in 1998 and Italy in 2006.

Spain took the lead in the 22nd minute after France defender Lucas Digne clipped the thigh of 19-year-old Lamine Yamal while attempting to clear a cross inside the penalty area. The referee pointed to the spot, and Mikel Oyarzabal converted the penalty.

France, which had scored 16 goals through the quarterfinals, failed to register a single shot on target in the first half. Little changed after the break as Spain remained firmly in control. Pedro Porro doubled the lead in the 58th minute, exchanging a quick one-two with Dani Olmo before firing a right-footed finish from inside the penalty area.

The victory extended Spain's unbeaten streak to 37 consecutive internationals, with 28 wins and nine draws. It also marked Spain's third straight victory over France in the semifinals of a major tournament, following UEFA Euro 2024 and the 2025 UEFA Nations League. "We're still one step away," Spain coach Luis de la Fuente said. "The final step is always the hardest, so we still have to improve."

Lamine Yamal also preserved his perfect record against Kylian Mbappe. Across club and international competitions, the 19-year-old has won all six knockout-stage meetings with the France captain. Yamal plays for FC Barcelona, while Mbappe represents its archrival, Real Madrid. "When you win, you receive all the praise," Mbappe said. "When you lose, you have to accept the criticism and abuse. That's part of my life."

France coach Didier Deschamps will step down after Sunday's third-place playoff, ending a 14-year tenure in charge of the national team. Zinedine Zidane, who led France to the 1998 World Cup title as a player, is widely expected to succeed him.


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