Here is the latest update from the 2026 FIFA World Cup as of 2026-07-14 22:03:00.
In a decisive semifinal match, Spain triumphed over France with a 2-0 victory on July 14, 2026, at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas. This win marks Spain’s third consecutive victory against the French side, having also defeated them in the semifinals of the 2024 European Championship and the UEFA Nations League in 2025.
Key Moments in the Game
The match began with a penalty awarded to Spain after Lamine Yamal was fouled in the box, which Mikel Oyarzabal converted confidently to give Spain a 1-0 lead. The French team faced an early setback when center back William Saliba was substituted due to a back injury in the 30th minute, replaced by Maxence Lacroix of Crystal Palace.
Spain’s strategy proved effective, as they maintained strong possession and effectively neutralized the threats posed by French stars Kylian Mbappé and Ousmane Dembélé, heading into halftime with their lead intact.
France’s Struggle to Respond
Facing a challenging situation at halftime, France found themselves in a position that historically has been tough to overcome; only two teams have successfully advanced from a World Cup semifinal after trailing at half: Argentina in 1990 and Croatia in 2018. Coach Didier Deschamps made multiple changes after the break, introducing Manu Koné and Désiré Doué in an effort to invigorate the French offense.
Despite the adjustments, France struggled to break through Spain’s disciplined defense. Unai Simón made crucial saves to keep Spain ahead. The match took a turn for the worse for France when Pedro Porro scored after a well-executed team move, extending the lead to 2-0.
With this victory, Spain not only secured a place in the final against either England or Argentina on July 19, but they also matched Italy for the record of the most consecutive unbeaten matches at 37.
FAQs
Who did Spain defeat to reach the FIFA World Cup 2026 final?
Spain defeated France 2-0 in the semifinal match.
When is the FIFA World Cup final?
The final will take place on July 19, 2026.
Key Facts
- Category:
- Source: www.espn.com – SOCCER
- Published: 2026-07-14 22:03:00
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Tags: #Spain #shut #France #advance #World #Cup #final
Tags: #Spain #shut #France #advance #World #Cup #final
