Spain beat France to March Into 2026 World Cup Final
Spain booked their place in the 2026 FIFA World Cup final after a commanding 2-0 victory over France in the semi-final, with Mikel Oyarzabal and Pedro Porro scoring to end Les Bleus’ hopes of lifting a third world title.
The Spaniards took control in the 22nd minute when Oyarzabal calmly converted a penalty to give La Roja the lead. It marked the first time France had fallen behind during the 2026 World Cup and exposed a worrying trend for Didier Deschamps’ side.
The goal also added to France’s unwanted World Cup records. It was the first semi-final goal they had conceded since 1998, while the penalty extended their tally to 16 penalties conceded in World Cup history, the most by any nation in the tournament.
Spain tightened their grip on the contest in the 58th minute when Pedro Porro doubled the advantage, leaving France with a mountain to climb. Despite late pressure, the Spanish defence stood firm to secure a famous victory and a place in the final.
Oyarzabal’s opening goal was another milestone in what has become a remarkable season for the forward. The strike took his World Cup tally to five goals, equalling Spanish legends Raúl González, Fernando Morientes and Emilio Butragueño as Spain’s joint second-highest scorer in World Cup history. Only David Villa, with nine goals, has scored more for Spain at the tournament.
The goal also saw Oyarzabal reach 30 international goals, moving past Fernando Hierro to become Spain’s sixth-highest scorer of all time.
The 29-year-old has enjoyed outstanding form for both club and country this season, scoring 32 goals and providing nine assists in 54 appearances, contributing directly to 41 goals.
His World Cup campaign has been equally impressive. Oyarzabal scored twice against Austria, registered two goals and an assist against Saudi Arabia, and added the crucial opener against France to continue his prolific run.
Spain’s victory also secured another landmark achievement. La Roja have now scored 13 goals at the 2026 World Cup, their highest total in a single edition of the tournament, setting a new national record for goals scored in one World Cup campaign.
Luis de la Fuente’s side will now prepare for the World Cup final, where they will face the winner of Wednesday’s second semi-final between Argentina and England.
With confidence soaring, records tumbling and Oyarzabal leading the charge, Spain are now just one victory away from lifting the World Cup trophy once again.
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