Spain are the first team into the World Cup final after defeating France 2-0 in an impressive and composed performance in Dallas.
A fearsome French side had entered as favourites but Spain nullified their threat with midfield dominance on an evening that showed their class. The European champions will have the chance to win back-to-back major tournaments after controlling much of the affair.
They took the lead in the first half after Lamine Yamal was brought down in the box by Lucas Digne, with Mikel Oyarzabal continued his fine campaign by converting from the spot. Things then got worse for Didier Deschamps’ men as William Saliba was subbed off due to injury, and Pedro Porro finished off an exemplary move of one-touch passing to weave into the box and slot home past Mike Maignan. At 2-0 up, Spain shut down the game with controlled passing and possession play and booked their place in the World Cup showpiece – where they will face either England or Argentina.
Follow all the reaction from the World Cup semi-final with our live blog below:
How an unlikely Spain source stunned France to clinch World Cup final berth
So, in a state with a history of Spanish conquest, history could be repeating itself for Spain. As in Euro 2024, they beat France in a semi-final.
As in 2010, they could follow victory in the European Championships by doing the double, by adding a World Cup. Deep in the heart of Texas, Luis de la Fuente’s side took a sizeable step towards greatness.
Didier Deschamps had pronounced them as the favourites to win the World Cup. It turns out that was not just kidology.
England and Argentina’s epic rivalry is much deeper than just football
The two nations clash in a mammoth World Cup semi-final, writes Miguel Delaney, that will be embroiled in emotion, history and so much more.
Why Trump and Fifa, try as they might, will never overshadow World Cup’s most beautiful feature
From Seattle to Mexico City, Kieran Jackson digests the visceral energy of people from all walks of life at stadiums across North America and concludes: the World Cup’s multi-culturalism is unparalleled.
What is it like to face Lionel Messi? Inside the mind of Argentina’s genius as England finally find out
As perhaps the greatest player of all time prepares for a first meeting with England, Miguel Delaney explains the mentality that makes him so good.
Harry Kane accuses media of trying to create division in England camp
After Bellingham’s brilliant double secured a 2-1 victory after extra time, Tuchel admitted his side was “lucky” to advance to the semi-finals and stated he was not happy with “everything” about the performance. When questioned about the “mentality”, Tuchel rallied against that notion, insisting his team showed “pure mentality.”
From Tuchel’s outcast to England’s kingpin, how Jude Bellingham silenced his critics at the World Cup
Jude-fever. Bellingham-mania. No one has come up with a catchy name for it yet, but it’s happening. A London train stop called Bellingham station has been renamed “Jude Bellingham”.
West Midlands Railway is offering free train rides for anyone named Jude. “Hey Jude” is on the playlist after every England win with “Three Lions” and “Wonderwall”, the only player with his own ballad.
Fifa releases World Cup 2026 closing ceremony line-up including Robbie Williams and Tom Cruise
Fifa have officially announced a star-studded cast for the closing ceremony of this instalment of the 2026 World Cup.
The closing ceremony, to be held before the final kicks off in New Jersey on 19 July, will celebrate a groundbreaking tournament that has seen a record number of 48 team participate across three host countries.
William Saliba suffers injury setback in huge World Cup blow for France
France have suffered a major blow in their World Cup title bid after William Saliba was forced off with a suspected muscle problem.
The influential defender went down untouched on the ball and immediately looked dejected, with it quickly becoming apparent the Arsenal man would not be able to continue.
Did Lamine Yamal commit a handball as he won a penalty for Spain vs France?
England up next
The three lions will have been watching that game intently, scouting their potential final opposition. Their focus, however, will not slip from their next game against the reigning world champions Argentina.
Lionel Messi is in fantastic form and will undoubtedly cause major problems for England’s defence tomorrow, but Harry Kane, Jude Bellingham and company will have something to say about that.
