Spain stopped the unstoppable force and beat France yesterday 2-0 in the first World Cup semifinal, holding Kylian Mbappé and Ousmane Dembélé in check.This is Spain’s first appearance in a World Cup final since it won in 2010.
It denied France’s bid to make three consecutive World Cup finals, too.Subscribe to read this story ad-freeGet unlimited access to ad-free articles and exclusive content.The semifinal today resumes one of international soccer’s most bitter rivalries.Argentina vs.
England.Lionel Messi, Harry Kane, Jude Bellingham.
This one does not lack storylines, either.We’ll be live-blogging the game at NBC News, so come follow along! World Cup RecapPedro Porro of Spain celebrates with teammates after scoring the team's second goal during the FIFA World Cup 2026 Semi Final match against France on July 14.David Ramos / Getty ImagesSpain is headed to Sunday’s World Cup final after shutting down France’s glittering array of attacking talent, crushing the tournament favorites 2-0 in Texas.The European champion controlled the game and combined a rock-solid defense with incisive attacking flair.
France, on the other hand, was dominated in midfield and barely troubled its opponents until it was two goals down.Kylian Mbappé, the most prolific goal scorer in the history of the World Cup’s knockout stage, was neutralized.Ballon d’Or winner Ousmane Dembélé and Michael Olise, who has a tournament-high five assists, were also kept quiet by the ruthless Spaniards.Instead, it was Spain’s superstar, Yamine Lamal, who helped break the deadlock after winning a penalty kick in the first half.
His teammate, striker Mikel Oyarzabal, buried the spot kick past French goalkeeper Mike Maignan.Right back Pedro Porro, who was fighting relegation with his club Tottenham Hotspur last season, scored Spain’s second goal in the 58th minute.Spain heads into Sunday’s final having conceded just one goal in seven games.Dating to March 2024, Spain remains unbea...