FIFA 2026: Spain Knock France Out In Semi-final

 

France are out of the 2026 FIFA World Cup after losing 2-0 to Spain in the semi-final, ending their pursuit of a third consecutive final appearance. 

Spain made their first semi-final appearance in 2010 when they won the trophy for the first time as the host nation. They have not reached the semi-final or final-final ever since. Meanwhile, France reached the final of the last edition, losing to Argentina. 

Mikel Oyarzabal put Spain in the lead, scoring from a penalty drawn by Lamine Yamal in the first half. The Spaniards doubled their lead in the second half on a counter when Olmo slipped a pass into the box for on-rushing Pedro Porro to finish off. 

This will be the first time in three consecutive FIFA World Cup Finals that France will fail to reach the final. They won the trophy for the second time in 2018 after winning their first in 1998. Spain will face the winner between Argentina and England in the final. 

Overview 

France were frustrated by the intensity of Spain's dominance. They were overpowered in midfield, with Olmo being the standout in the role for the Spaniards. Dembele and Mbappe were closely marked by the defense, with Cucurrella doing a fantastic job on the left back. 

Spain played to their game plan and kept to their respective position. Their passes were efficient and often stopped France's advances in the midfield, giving them possession for most of the time. 

Chances and Defenses 

Mbappe wasted a glaring chance in a fast break, allowing the defender to close the gap on him while the goalkeeper had advanced out of the box. Kounde's cross was the second close chance, but he missed a touch on the ball in front of the post. 

Spain closed the gap with Olise with Cucurella and Laporte. France barely found space inside the Spaniard's box, leaving Dembele inactive.