World Cup 2026, 1st Semifinal: Spain sink France to book final spot; Oyarzabal, Porro on target

Spain knocked France out of the race for the final with a thumping 2-0 win in the first semifinal at the Dallas Stadium. Forward Mikel Oyarzabal and fullback Pedro Porro scored in each half, as clinical Spain sank Kylian Mbappé’s French side to make it to their second-ever World Cup final. This is also the first time they have reached the summit clash since lifting their maiden FIFA crown in 2010 in South Africa. Spain will face the winner of the England-Argentina second semifinal in New Jersey on July 19.

Spain was outstanding against France in the first semifinal. Having conceded just one goal in this tournament thus far, Spain’s backline maintained the streak, as even the attack of France’s calibre failed to breach it even once. Right from the word go, Spain, the European champions, controlled the ball and possession better, even creating more chances.

Even though France also had their moments throughout the game, they were never able to convert those into goals.

In the first half, Lucas Digne’s unintentional foul on Spain’s youngest player, Lamine Yamal, led to a penalty, which Oyarzabal converted from the spot to give his team an early and timely lead in this crucial match. Even without their star player, Pedri, in the starting XI, Spain’s midfield never allowed France to feel comfortable about their game; instead, they kept them on their toes until the end.

FIFA World Cup 2026 Live on Zee5 Photograph: (WION)

Following a stunning first half from Spain, they carried the momentum into the next. Working through gaps and winning the ball led to a moment that sealed their final fate, as fullback Porro made the most of Dani Olmo’s slightest touch to put the ball in the back of the net in the 58th minute. The smile on Porro’s face and the dejection on Mbappé’s face told the entire story as Spain maintained the lead and completed a fantastic win at the Dallas Stadium.

With this win, Yamal continued his unbeaten streak against Mbappé in major tournaments, having won two semifinals in the UEFA Nations League and the Euros. Yamal, who, before the game against the French side, said that ‘France should fear Spain’, has reached a World Cup final in his debut edition. At 19, he has a chance to create history for himself and his country.

Meanwhile, England and Argentina will face off in the second semifinal in Atlanta, with the winner advancing to the final. The loser, however, would face France for the 3rd spot.