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Spain are heading back to the FIFA Men's World Cup final for the first time in 16 years after earning a convincing 2-0 victory over France in the semifinal at Dallas Stadium on Tuesday, July 14.
The win secured Spain a place in Sunday's championship match at New York New Jersey Stadium, where they will face either Argentina or England. The second semifinal is scheduled for Wednesday, July 15.
Spain took control early in the contest when forward Mikel Oyarzabal converted a penalty in the 22nd minute to give his side the lead. The goal continued the striker's impressive tournament, bringing his tally to five goals in his first-ever World Cup campaign.
The Spanish side doubled its advantage in the 58th minute when defender Pedro Porro found the back of the net with a well-taken finish. France was unable to respond, allowing Spain to comfortably close out the match and book its place in the final.
The victory marks Spain's first appearance in a men's World Cup final since 2010, when the team defeated the Netherlands 1-0 to win its first and only World Cup title. The national team now has the opportunity to lift the trophy for a second time and continue a successful period for Spanish football after the women's national team captured the 2023 FIFA Women's World Cup.
Spain entered the semifinal full of confidence, having already defeated France in recent major competitions. The Spaniards knocked France out of the 2024 UEFA European Championship in the semifinals and also came out on top during UEFA Nations League competition in 2025.
Teenage sensation Lamine Yamal also expressed confidence ahead of the match. Speaking after Spain's 2-1 quarterfinal victory over Belgium on July 10, the 19-year-old dismissed the idea that his team should fear the defending world champions.
"I believe if France has to fear anyone, it should be us, in my opinion," Yamal said. "We were the ones that knocked them out before."
Yamal has enjoyed a solid World Cup campaign, scoring once across six appearances while playing a key role in Spain's attacking play.
Spain now turns its attention to Sunday's final, where it will meet the winner of the Argentina versus England semifinal. With momentum, confidence and a chance to win the country's second men's World Cup title, Spain stands one victory away from returning to the top of world football.
