Mikel Oyarzabal and Pedro Porro scored as Spain reached the World Cup final with a composed 2-0 victory over France in a cagey semi-final in Dallas.
The semi-final at Dallas Stadium saw Spain control the tempo early as France, who had not trailed once in the tournament before kick-off, struggled to find rhythm.
Spain took the lead in the 22nd minute when Lamine Yamal was fouled in the box by Lucas Digne. Oyarzabal converted the resulting penalty with a left-footed strike into the top-right corner.
France suffered a further blow seven minutes later when centre-back William Saliba was forced off through injury. Maxence Lacroix came on as his early replacement.
Adrien Rabiot had already been booked in the eighth minute for France, while Marc Cucurella was shown a yellow card for Spain in the 32nd minute. No red cards were issued in a disciplined contest.
Didier Deschamps reacted at half-time by withdrawing Rabiot, who was on a yellow card, and introducing Manu Kone in midfield. The change was designed to add energy.
Spain doubled their advantage in the 58th minute through Porro. He exchanged a sharp one-two with Dani Olmo before slotting low past goalkeeper Mike Maignan to make it 2-0.
France pushed for a response but found Spain’s defence stubborn. La Roja have now conceded only once in seven matches at this tournament after another disciplined display.
The result continues Spain’s recent dominance over France in major tournament knockouts. They had previously beaten Les Bleus in the Euro 2024 semi-finals and the Nations League semi-finals in 2025.
For France, the defeat ends an impressive run that included clean sheets in all three previous knockout wins over Sweden, Paraguay and Morocco. It also ends hopes of reaching a third consecutive World Cup final.
Spain will now advance to the World Cup final on July 19 at the New York New Jersey Stadium. They will face the winner of the second semi-final between England and Argentina.
France, meanwhile, must settle for the third-place playoff on July 18 after suffering their first deficit of the tournament. Their World Cup dream is over despite entering the semi-final unbeaten.
