By Victor Eludire | Sports Analyst
Spain booked their place in the 2026 FIFA World Cup final with a composed 2-0 victory over France, extending their unbeaten run to 37 matches and equalling Italy’s record for the longest undefeated streak by a European men’s national team. Luis de la Fuente’s side took control in Dallas when Mikel Oyarzabal calmly converted a 22nd-minute penalty after Lucas Digne fouled Lamine Yamal in the area. France struggled to impose themselves before the interval, with Bradley Barcola wasting their clearest opening, while Spain continued to threaten through their fluid attacking play and deservedly carried their advantage into half-time.
La Roja tightened their grip on the contest after the break as Pedro Porro combined neatly with Dani Olmo before sweeping home a well-worked second in the 58th minute. Spain thought they had added a third moments later when Yamal rounded Mike Maignan and finished brilliantly, only for the teenager’s effort to be ruled out for offside. France’s response was subdued, with Kylian Mbappe, making a record 21st World Cup appearance for his country, largely contained throughout before Marc Cucurella produced a crucial block to divert his best effort wide. Unai Simon also recovered from a rare mistake to deny Desire Doue as Didier Deschamps’ side exited after producing just three shots on target.
Oyarzabal’s opening goal, his fifth of the tournament, continued an outstanding campaign that has placed him among Spain’s most prolific performers at major tournaments, while Olmo’s assist for Porro moved him level with Cesc Fabregas for the most assists by a Spain player at major finals since 1980. Victory also maintained Spain’s recent dominance over France, with La Roja recording a third successive tournament semi-final win against Les Bleus after their triumphs at Euro 2024 and the 2024-25 Nations League. They will now face either England or Argentina in Sunday’s final as they bid to win the World Cup for the second time, 16 years after their maiden triumph in South Africa.
