Spain sweeps France 2-0 to reach first World Cup final since 2010, Deschamps questions referee
Goals from Mikel Oyarzabal and Pedro Porro in Dallas sent Spain to a World Cup final against England or Argentina, while Didier Deschamps ended his 12-year France tenure with a cryptic criticism of referee Iván Barton.
Spain delivered a commanding performance to eliminate France 2-0 in the World Cup semi-final at AT&T Stadium in Dallas on 14 July, securing a place in the final on 19 July. The victory was Spain's third consecutive semi-final win over France in as many summers, following triumphs at Euro 2024 and the 2025 UEFA Nations League.
How Spain took control
Mikel Oyarzabal opened the scoring from the penalty spot in the 22nd minute after Lucas Digne fouled Lamine Yamal. Pedro Porro added the second goal in the 58th minute, capitalising on a well-worked move that left the French defence exposed. Spain's collective intensity stifled France's attack throughout, reducing Kylian Mbappé, Michael Olise, and Ousmane Dembélé to bystanders.
This amazing generation of players has such a great attitude and is a role model for so many different values. We are united for a common cause. Now we have the last step, the toughest one.
The 'Four Invisibles'
French hopes had rested on a front four of Mbappé, Olise, Bradley Barcola, and Dembélé. ESPN labelled them the "Four Invisibles" after they failed to register a single shot on target. Swann Borsellino, the RTBF analyst, observed that the French game plan "rested on the superiority of its individuals over the quality of the opposing collective" and that the best players simply "failed" when it mattered.
The best players failed, and when the geniuses don't show up, the French collective strength is much more fragile.
La Gazzetta dello Sport was even sharper, describing the French as "annihilated, the ugliest and most insignificant" in recent World Cup memory.
De la Fuente's four-year project
Luis de la Fuente took charge of Spain in 2022 and has now guided the team to a European Championship title and a World Cup final. He told RTVE that the group had "arrived nearly four years ago with an idea, stayed faithful to it, and that is what has brought us here." He described his side as "the best team in the world" and added that the players "make the difficult look easy."
We faced one of the best national teams, but opposite them was the best team in the world. That is not the same thing.
De la Fuente confirmed that Porro had sustained a muscular issue but allayed concerns about Yamal's condition. He also revealed he received a congratulatory call from King Felipe VI after the final whistle.
- Mikel Oyarzabal converts a penalty after Lucas Digne fouls Lamine Yamal.
- Pedro Porro scores Spain's second goal with a well-worked team move.
- Full-time: Spain 2-0 France. Spain advance to the World Cup final.
- England vs Argentina semi-final in Atlanta determines Spain's opponent.
- World Cup final in New Jersey.
Deschamps bows out with referee barb
The semi-final was Didier Deschamps' last competitive match in charge of France, with the third-place game in Miami on Saturday marking the end of his 12-year tenure. He did not hide his frustration, telling reporters that the El Salvadorean referee Iván Barton may not have been "at the level required." Deschamps admitted his team "should have been more dangerous" and that "we were not at 100% today unfortunately."
What comes next
Spain will meet either England or Argentina, who play their semi-final in Atlanta on 15 July. The final is set for 19 July in New Jersey. France must regroup for the consolation match against the loser of that second semi-final.
