Key highlights of FIFA World Cup
- Spain beat France 2-0 in the FIFA World Cup 2026 semi-final.
- Mikel Oyarzabal scored the opening goal from a penalty in the 22nd minute.
- Pedro Porro scored Spain’s second goal in the 58th minute.
- Spain became the first team to reach the FIFA World Cup 2026 final.
- Spain will face the winner of England vs Argentina in the final.
Spain became the first team to qualify for the FIFA World Cup 2026 final after defeating France 2-0 in a commanding semi-final performance at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas. Mikel Oyarzabal scored from the penalty spot in the first half, while Pedro Porro added the second goal after the break to end France’s dream of reaching a third straight World Cup final.
For Indian football fans, the result means Spain are now waiting for the winner of the second semi-final between England and Argentina, which will be played on July 16 at 12.30 AM IST. The FIFA World Cup 2026 final is scheduled for July 20 at 12.30 AM IST.
France, who entered the semi-final as one of the strongest teams in the tournament, struggled to create clear chances. Spain controlled the match with sharp passing, high pressing and disciplined defending. Kylian Mbappe, Ousmane Dembele and France’s attack were kept quiet for most of the night.
Also Read | FIFA World Cup 2026 Semi-Finals India Time: Full Fixtures and Road to Final
Spain vs France result
Spain entered the match with belief, but few expected them to control France so completely. France had been one of the most dangerous attacking teams of the tournament, but Spain took away their rhythm from the start.
The first major moment came in the 22nd minute. Lamine Yamal drove into the penalty area and forced Lucas Digne into a challenge. The referee pointed to the spot, and Mikel Oyarzabal stepped up for Spain. He kept his composure and scored to give Spain a 1-0 lead.
France tried to respond, but Spain did not allow them to settle. Rodri and Fabián Ruiz controlled the midfield, while Spain’s back line stayed compact whenever France tried to attack through Mbappe or Dembele.
The second goal came in the 58th minute. Pedro Porro finished a smooth Spanish move to double the lead. From that point, France looked short of answers. Spain protected the result and closed the match without losing control.
Spain reach FIFA World Cup 2026 final
Spain are now in the FIFA World Cup final for the first time since 2010, when they won the title. This run has been built on control, patience and defensive discipline.
Against France, Spain did not rely only on one star. Their strength came from the system. Rodri controlled the tempo. Fabián Ruiz helped Spain keep the ball under pressure. Lamine Yamal created the penalty. Oyarzabal scored from the spot. Porro finished the second goal. The defenders kept France’s biggest names out of the game.
Also Read | France First Into FIFA World Cup 2026 Semi-Finals After Beating Morocco
Lamine Yamal makes another big statement
Lamine Yamal did not score, but he had a major influence on the match.
The teenager won the penalty that gave Spain the lead. He also had a goal ruled out for offside. More importantly, he kept France’s defenders under pressure every time he received the ball in wide areas.
For Indian fans searching for the next big World Cup star, Yamal is one of the strongest names of the tournament. His confidence, direct running and decision-making have given Spain an attacking edge in high-pressure matches.
FIFA World Cup 2026 schedule in India time
England vs Argentina
Semi-final 2
July 16, 12.30 AM IST
Third-place playoff
France vs Loser of England vs Argentina
July 19, 2.30 AM IST
FIFA World Cup 2026 Final
Spain vs Winner of England vs Argentina
July 20, 12.30 AM IST
For Indian viewers, the next big match is England vs Argentina. It will decide the second finalist and complete the final line-up.
England vs Argentina: What Indian fans should watch
England vs Argentina is one of the biggest fixtures of the tournament.
For Argentina, the spotlight will again be on Lionel Messi. Reuters has reported that this semi-final is set to be Messi’s first senior international match against England. At 39, Messi is still central to Argentina’s World Cup campaign and is chasing another final with the defending champions.
For England, Jude Bellingham and Harry Kane will be key. Bellingham has been one of England’s most important players in the knockout stage, while Kane’s experience will matter in a semi-final of this size.
Key players of Spain vs France FIFA Match
Mikel Oyarzabal
Oyarzabal opened the scoring from the penalty spot and gave Spain early control. His calm finish changed the direction of the match.
Pedro Porro
Porro scored Spain’s second goal and delivered a strong performance on both ends of the pitch. His goal gave Spain breathing space.
Lamine Yamal
Yamal won the penalty and remained Spain’s most exciting attacking outlet. His ability to take on defenders made a major difference.
Rodri
Rodri controlled the midfield and helped Spain stop France from building attacks through central areas.
Kylian Mbappe
Mbappe was France’s biggest threat on paper, but Spain kept him quiet. His limited impact was one of the biggest reasons France could not get back into the game.
Also Read | Brazil, Germany and Portugal Out: FIFA World Cup 2026 Quarter-Final Line-Up Confirmed
News4Bharat POV
Spain did not just beat France. They controlled them.
That is what makes this result important. France had the names, the pace and the recent World Cup record. Spain had the plan. Their midfield control, defensive calm and sharp finishing made the difference.
For Indian fans, the World Cup has now reached its most exciting point. Spain are waiting in the final. England and Argentina will fight for the other place. Messi, Bellingham and Kane now have one more chance to reach the biggest match in football.
By July 16 morning in India, the FIFA World Cup 2026 final line-up will be complete.
