Spain Beats France 2-0 to Reach World Cup Final
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- Spain beat France 2-0 to reach the 2026 World Cup final, advancing to compete for their second World Cup title and ending France's streak of reaching the final in the previous three editions.
- Mikel Oyarzabal converted a 22nd-minute penalty after Lamine Yamal dispossessed Lucas Digne, giving Spain a lead they never relinquished.
- Pedro Porro doubled Spain's advantage in the 58th minute, capping a one-two with Dani Olmo with a composed finish.
- Spain's defensive line earned near-identical 9/10 ratings for Porro, Pau Cubarsí, Aymeric Laporte, and Marc Cucurella, who collectively neutralized Kylian Mbappé and limited France's chances.
- Kylian Mbappé was rated 4/10, with the article noting he was booked for a late challenge on Unai Simón and sent a free kick harmlessly over the bar, encapsulating France's frustration.
- Didier Deschamps was rated 4/10 by the source despite managing a record 26th World Cup match, criticized for failing to alter the game's trajectory after the break.
- Luis de la Fuente received a 9/10 manager rating, with the source crediting his pre-match preparation for Spain's control rather than in-game adjustments.
Why it matters: Spain's dominant performance—particularly their midfield control through Rodri and a backline that smothered Mbappé—puts them one win from their second World Cup title. For France, the loss snaps a run of three straight final appearances and exposes a toothless attack that managed no goals against a Spanish defense that dictated the match from minute one.
