France’s star-studded attack ran into a wall of efficiency and composure on Tuesday as Spain defeated Les Bleus2-0 to secure passage to the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Observers in Arlington, Texas arrived eager to see what the likes of Kylian Mbappé, Michael Olise and Ousmane Dembélé could produce. However, Mikal Oyarzabal’s penalty kick in the first half was followed by Pedro Porro’s goal before the hour mark in a massive triumph for Spain.
Both teams felt each other out in the early stages but it was France who were negatively affected. Around the 20th minute mark, the tension erupted when left back Lucas Digne attempted to clear a ball just inside the penalty area and instead kicked Lamine Yamal.
A penalty kick was awarded and Oyarzabal picked his spot to fire past France goalkeeper Mike Maignan for the Real Sociedad star’s 5th goal of the competition. There was little response from the French team, who grew more and more frustrated as the match fell under the spell of Spanish possession and control.
And a moment of brilliance from Spain in the 58th minute dug the hole deeper for France. Right back Porro played an incisive combination with Dani Olmo, whose return pass from the edge of the box was perfect to put the fullback in on goal. Porro slotted past an advancing Maignan and Spain’s advantage was doubled.
Mbappé attempted to will his team back into the match. The Real Madrid star unleashed a shot that went just wide of the Spanish goal in the ensuing ten minutes but there was simply little space for France’s creators to work with.
Spain are now through to their second World Cup final, following their only title in 2010, and will face the winner of Wednesday’s clash between England and Argentina on Sunday in New Jersey. France await the loser of Wednesday’s match for the third place match in Miami on Saturday.
