Spain has reached the final of the 2026 FIFA North America World Cup, marking its first appearance in the championship match in 16 years since winning the tournament in South Africa in 2010.
On July 15, Spain defeated France 2-0 in the semifinals held at the Dallas Stadium in Texas.
This victory extends Spain's unbeaten streak to 37 matches (28 wins, 9 draws) since a loss to Colombia in March 2024, bringing them closer to their second World Cup title.
Spain will face the winner of the England-Argentina semifinal, scheduled for July 16, in the final at MetLife Stadium in New York and New Jersey on July 20.
Meanwhile, France will not advance to the final for the third consecutive World Cup and will compete in the third-place match on July 19 at Miami Stadium.
Spain took control early in the match, dominating the midfield with Rodri and Fabián Ruiz. In the 20th minute, 2007-born forward Lamine Yamal made a significant impact by pressuring the opposing defense to earn a penalty kick. Mikel Oyarzabal converted the penalty with a calm right-footed shot to give Spain the lead.
After taking the lead, Spain built a solid defensive wall led by Pau Torres and Aymeric Laporte, maintaining strong pressure throughout the first half and not allowing any shots on target from France's key attackers, Kylian Mbappé and Ousmane Dembélé.
Spain continued to dominate in the second half, scoring a second goal in the 58th minute. Pedro Porro exchanged passes with Dani Olmo, breaking through the defense and scoring with a right-footed shot against the goalkeeper.
In the 82nd minute, Spain's goalkeeper Unai Simón made a crucial save to prevent a potential goal. Spain maintained its solid defensive organization until the end of the match, securing a two-goal victory.
* This article has been translated by AI.
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