Spain topped France, 2-0, in the World Cup semi-finals on Tuesday, July 14
Spain celebrates after beating France to secure their spot in the 2026 World Cup Credit: Florencia Tan Jun/Getty
NEED TO KNOW
Spain defeated France 2-0 in the men’s FIFA World Cup semifinals to secure their first final appearance since 2010
Mikel Oyarzabal scored his fifth goal of the tournament while Pedro Porro added another to seal the victory
Spain will face either Argentina or England in the final after last winning the World Cup against the Netherlands in 2010
Spain is making its triumphant return to the men’s World Cup final for the first time in 16 years!
On Tuesday, July 14, Spain’s men’s national team took down France, 2-0, in the FIFA World Cup semifinals at Dallas Stadium to secure a spot in the final matchup, which is set for Sunday, July 19 at New York New Jersey Stadium.
Forward Mikel Oyarzabal scored a penalty kick in the 22nd minute to put Spain on the board. The team then stretched its lead in the 58th minute after a strike from defender Pedro Porro — and that was all they needed to seal the win.
Oyarzabal, 29, has scored five goals in his debut World Cup appearance.
Spain will face the winner of the semifinals clash between Argentina and England on Wednesday, July 15.
Mikel Oyarzabal of Spain on Tuesday, July 14 Credit: Hector Vivas – FIFA/FIFA via Getty
The club last reached the World Cup final in 2010, when it defeated the Netherlands 1-0 to claim its lone tournament title. They’ll now hope to make this two World Cup wins in a row after Spain’s women’s team secured the 2023 title.
19-year-old star Lamine Yamal, who has scored one goal across six World Cup matches, said he and the club were ready to face a fierce opponent in France.
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“I believe if France has to fear anyone, it should be us, in my opinion,” he said after Spain’s 2-1 quarter-finals win over Belgium on Friday, July 10, according to the Associated Press. “We were the ones that knocked them out before.”
Spain defeated France — the defending men’s World Cup champions — in the 2024 European Championship semifinals, per the AP, as well as National League play in 2025.
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