Spain booked a place in their first FIFA World Cup final since lifting the trophy in 2010 after defeating France 2-0 in Tuesday’s semi-final, with Mikel Oyarzabal and Pedro Porro finding the net.
Oyarzabal opened the scoring from the penalty spot after teenage sensation Lamine Yamal won a spot-kick, while Porro doubled Spain’s advantage in the second half to seal victory.
Fresh from celebrating his 19th birthday, Yamal thought he had added a third goal, but the effort was ruled out for offside shortly after Porro combined brilliantly with Dani Olmo in the 58th minute to make it 2-0. Although he did not score, the youngster’s impressive display proved decisive.
Spain will now face either defending champions Argentina or England in Sunday’s World Cup final in East Rutherford, New Jersey.
The second semi-final between Argentina and England is scheduled for Wednesday in Atlanta.
France, led by Kylian Mbappé and ranked number one by FIFA, were aiming to become only the third nation to reach three consecutive World Cup finals. Instead, Didier Deschamps’ side will contest Saturday’s third-place playoff in Miami Gardens, Florida.
The result also extended Spain’s recent dominance over France in major tournaments. It marked the third consecutive summer that La Roja eliminated Les Bleus in a semi-final, following victories at Euro 2024 and the UEFA Nations League.
Ahead of the match, Yamal had declared after Spain’s quarter-final victory over Belgium that he believed France should fear Spain. Those words certainly proved true.
Spain took the lead in the 22nd minute when Oyarzabal converted from the penalty spot after Yamal was brought down inside the area by Lucas Digne.
Digne, attempting to recover after a heavy first touch with his head, tried to clear the ball as Yamal closed him down. The ball brushed the teenager’s elbow before Digne caught him with a kick inside the penalty area, prompting the referee to award the penalty.
Oyarzabal’s fifth goal of the tournament was significant, as it marked the first time either Spain or France had fallen behind during their seven matches at this World Cup.
The strike also took the Spain forward’s international tally to 30 goals in 60 appearances.
