Spain reached the World Cup final for the second time in the nation’s history, dismantling France 2-0 in a commanding semifinal display in Arlington, Texas on Tuesday.
Mikel Oyarzabal opened the scoring in the 22nd minute from the penalty spot, converted after 19-year-old Lamine Yamal drew a foul from France defender Lucas Digne. Pedro Porro doubled Spain’s lead in the 58th minute with a close-range finish past goalkeeper Mike Maignan.
It was just the third goal conceded all tournament by France, FIFA’s top-ranked side, and the first match all tournament in which either team had trailed. Kylian Mbappé started despite an early exit in the quarterfinal win over Morocco, where his goal moved him to 20 career World Cup goals, one behind Lionel Messi’s record of 21.
The defeat ends France’s bid for a third consecutive World Cup final, after winning in 2018 and losing on penalties to Argentina in 2022.
Spain, champions in 2010, will face the winner of today’s semifinal between defending champions Argentina and England for Sunday’s final at MetLife Stadium.
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