Spain produced a disciplined display to defeat France 2-0 in the FIFA World Cup 2026 semi-final on Tuesday, ending the French side's bid for a third world title and securing a place in the final.

The European champions will now face either England or Argentina in Sunday's final after outclassing one of the tournament's favorites in Arlington, Texas.

Mikel Oyarzabal gave Spain the lead from the penalty spot midway through the first half after France defender Lucas Digne brought down Lamine Yamal inside the area. Oyarzabal calmly converted to register his fifth goal of the tournament.

France's problems deepened shortly afterwards when center-back William Saliba was forced off with a recurrence of a lower back injury.

Didier Deschamps' side struggled to create clear-cut chances and failed to register a shot on target before the break.

Spain doubled their advantage in the 58th minute through Pedro Porro, who finished off a slick passing move involving Dani Olmo to put the result beyond doubt.

Despite introducing several attacking substitutes, including Désiré Doué and Rayan Cherki, France were unable to break down Spain's organized defense, which has conceded only one goal throughout the tournament.

The defeat ends France's run of reaching the last two World Cup finals, having lifted the trophy in 2018 before finishing runners-up to Argentina in 2022. It also marks the final World Cup campaign for head coach Didier Deschamps, who is set to step down after the tournament.

Spain, world champions in 2010, are now one victory away from claiming their second World Cup title and becoming the first winners of the expanded 48-team tournament.

BOB Post