Spain beats France 2-0 to reach World Cup final

Kylian Mbappe (2nd L) of France shoots during the semifinal match between France and Spain at the 2026 FIFA World Cup at Dallas Stadium in Dallas, the United States, July 14, 2026. (Xinhua/Wu Xiaoling)

DALLAS, July 14 (Xinhua) -- Goals from Mikel Oyarzabal and Pedro Porro in each half gave Spain a 2-0 victory over France in Tuesday's World Cup semifinal, sending the team to the final for the first time since its 2010 triumph.

Oyarzabal converted from the spot in the 22nd minute after Lucas Digne fouled Lamine Yamal in the box.

Digne tried to deal with an awkward bouncing ball, but Yamal, a day after turning 19, darted in from behind inside the penalty area. Digne's attempted clearance caught Yamal, sending him to the ground.

France suffered another setback when injured center-back William Saliba was replaced by Maxence Lacroix in the 30th minute. The title favorite made another early change at halftime as Manu Kone came on for Adrien Rabiot, who was booked just eight minutes into the match.

Porro doubled Spain's lead in the 58th minute, combining with Dani Olmo before continuing into the box and calmly finishing past Mike Maignan. Yamal nearly added a third in the 64th minute, racing onto a pass, cutting inside past Digne and firing low, but the effort was ruled offside.

France's best chance came a few minutes later when Kylian Mbappe fired from the edge of the box, only for the effort to be deflected for a corner that posed no real threat.

Another opportunity arrived in the 83rd minute when goalkeeper Unai Simon raced out to clear the ball, which fell to Desire Doue whose lob was then denied by Simon.

Spain will face either England or Argentina in Sunday's final at New York New Jersey Stadium.

Mikel Oyarzabal (L) of Spain vies with Aurelien Tchouameni of France during the semifinal match between France and Spain at the 2026 FIFA World Cup at Dallas Stadium in Dallas, the United States, July 14, 2026. (Xinhua/Wu Xiaoling)

Mikel Oyarzabal (2nd R) of Spain celebrates during the semifinal match between France and Spain at the 2026 FIFA World Cup at Dallas Stadium in Dallas, the United States, July 14, 2026. (Xinhua/Huang Zongzhi)

Pedro Porro of Spain celebrates after the semifinal match between France and Spain at the 2026 FIFA World Cup at Dallas Stadium in Dallas, the United States, July 14, 2026. (Xinhua/Xu Zijian)

Pedro Porro (R) of Spain celebrates a goal with teammates during the semifinal match between France and Spain at the 2026 FIFA World Cup at Dallas Stadium in Dallas, the United States, July 14, 2026. (Xinhua/Hu Xingyu)

Pedro Porro (L) of Spain shoots and scores during the semifinal match between France and Spain at the 2026 FIFA World Cup at Dallas Stadium in Dallas, the United States, July 14, 2026. (Xinhua/Hu Xingyu)

Players of team Spain celebrate victory after the semifinal match between France and Spain at the 2026 FIFA World Cup at Dallas Stadium in Dallas, the United States, July 14, 2026. (Xinhua/Chen Yichen)

Kylian Mbappe of France reacts after the semifinal match between France and Spain at the 2026 FIFA World Cup at Dallas Stadium in Dallas, the United States, July 14, 2026. (Xinhua/Huang Zongzhi)

Kylian Mbappe (L) of France greets Ferran Torres (R) of Spain after the semifinal match between France and Spain at the 2026 FIFA World Cup at Dallas Stadium in Dallas, the United States, July 14, 2026. (Xinhua/Huang Zongzhi)

Players of team Spain celebrate victory after the semifinal match between France and Spain at the 2026 FIFA World Cup at Dallas Stadium in Dallas, the United States, July 14, 2026. (Xinhua/Hu Xingyu)

Mikel Merino (R) of Spain jumps for a header against Dayot Upamecano of France during the semifinal match between France and Spain at the 2026 FIFA World Cup at Dallas Stadium in Dallas, the United States, July 14, 2026. (Xinhua/Xu Zijian)

Players of Spain celebrate victory after the semifinal match between France and Spain at the 2026 FIFA World Cup at Dallas Stadium in Dallas, the United States, July 14, 2026. (Xinhua/Wu Xiaoling)

Kylian Mbappe (R) of France competes during the semifinal match between France and Spain at the 2026 FIFA World Cup at Dallas Stadium in Dallas, the United States, July 14, 2026. (Xinhua/Wu Xiaoling)

Kylian Mbappe (R) of France competes during the semifinal match between France and Spain at the 2026 FIFA World Cup at Dallas Stadium in Dallas, the United States, July 14, 2026. (Xinhua/Hu Xingyu)

Kylian Mbappe (L) of France shoots during the semifinal match between France and Spain at the 2026 FIFA World Cup at Dallas Stadium in Dallas, the United States, July 14, 2026. (Xinhua/Chen Yichen)

Kylian Mbappe (L) of France shoots during the semifinal match between France and Spain at the 2026 FIFA World Cup at Dallas Stadium in Dallas, the United States, July 14, 2026. (Xinhua/Chen Yichen)