Spain 2-0 France: Highlights and World Cup Final Schedule

Spain beat France 2-0 to reach the 2026 World Cup final. De la Fuente's side will face Argentina this Sunday.

Last updated: 17 July 2026

Spain booked their place in the 2026 World Cup final with a clinical 2-0 victory over France in Dallas. Luis de la Fuente’s men delivered a tactical masterclass, completely quietening a formidable French frontline that featured Kylian Mbappé, Michael Olise, and Ousmane Dembélé.

The breakthrough came early in the first half. Lamine Yamal was brought down in the penalty area, and Mikel Oyarzabal confidently smashed the spot-kick past Mike Maignan. France struggled to find an immediate response, choked by a dominant Spanish midfield led by Rodri, who won his duels and shielded the backline perfectly. Didier Deschamps’ side failed to register a single shot on target before the interval, looking devoid of creative ideas.

Any hopes of a French comeback were killed off in the second half. Right-back Pedro Porro burst forward into space and slotting home a clinical second goal to wrap up the win. The Spanish defence was exceptional throughout, ensuring France’s superstars never found their rhythm. The defeat marks a bitter end to Deschamps’ twelve-year tenure, leaving his star-studded squad empty-handed.

Spain will now travel to New Jersey to face Argentina in the World Cup final on Sunday, 18 July, kicking off at 9:00 pm BST. Meanwhile, France must lift themselves for the third-place play-off against England on Saturday, 17 July, at 11:00 pm BST, concluding a tournament that ended in a disappointing whimper for Les Bleus.

France vs Spain Prediction

Tuesday’s highly anticipated 2026 World Cup semi-final in Texas sees tournament favourites France take on European champions Spain. This promises to be a captivating clash of contrasting styles, with Les Bleus aiming to book a third successive final appearance on Bastille Day.

Spain have been exceptional in their possession-based system, dictating the tempo and limiting opponents to a mere seven shots on target throughout the entire tournament. However, La Roja’s rearguard has recently shown slight vulnerability, conceding their first goal of the summer in a narrow 2-1 quarter-final victory over Belgium. Furthermore, Luis de la Fuente’s men have relied heavily on late rescue acts from Mikel Merino in their previous two knockout fixtures, suggesting they have had to work tremendously hard to progress.

Conversely, Didier Deschamps’ side have been an explosive attacking juggernaut, comfortably leading the competition in expected goals (14.3), big chances (27), and shots on target per match. Spearheaded by the talismanic Kylian Mbappé – who has netted eight times already – and supported by a frightening array of talent including Ousmane Dembélé and Michael Olise, France’s forward line is utterly devastating.

Although Spain won a thrilling 5-4 encounter when these nations last met in the Nations League, France’s immense pace on the counter-attack should ultimately prove too much for a Spanish side facing their sternest defensive examination yet. Given both teams’ immense pedigree, it will undoubtedly be a tense battle, but Les Bleus’ sheer attacking firepower gives them the definitive edge.

My bet: France to win at 13/10 on bet365

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