Spain achieved their biggest victory of the 2026 FIFA World Cup by defeating France 2-0 on Tuesday night in Dallas. This match saw Mikel Oyarzabal put Spain in the lead in the 22nd minute with a penalty kick, following Lucas Digne’s foul on Lamine Yamal in the box.
Pedro Porro added to the score in the 58th minute, executing a smooth one-two with Dani Olmo before sending the ball past goalkeeper Mike Maignan. Spain’s dominance was evident throughout the game, effectively neutralizing France’s Kylian Mbappe.
This marked the sixth consecutive game where Spain kept a clean sheet, setting a World Cup record. Spain has conceded only one goal during the tournament. After the match, head coach Luis de la Fuente expressed his confidence, stating, “We had no doubt that by being ourselves, we were going to do a lot of damage to France. The message was clear: though we were facing one of the best national teams, they were up against the best team. And that’s the key. We are a team, and when you’re facing a team like us, then we’re unbeatable. That’s how we feel right now.”
De la Fuente has been part of Spain’s national team coaching staff since 2013 and rose to coach the senior team in 2022. He has faced France’s team, Les Bleus, six times in semifinals across various levels, achieving five wins and one loss.
The upcoming final will see Spain facing either England or Argentina, with their semifinal taking place in Atlanta, Georgia. Argentina, the defending champions, won in Qatar in 2022, while England last secured a major tournament victory in 1966. De la Fuente expressed readiness for either opponent, stating, “We welcome either of them with open arms.”
The final is scheduled for Sunday, July 19, at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey.