Spain advanced to the World Cup final for the first time since their 2010 triumph with a commanding 2-0 victory over France at the AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas. The result, delivered before a crowd of 80,000, was shaped by a first-half penalty from Mikel Oyarzabal after Lucas Digne kicked Lamine Yamal in the area, and a second-half strike from Pedro Porro, who exchanged passes with Dani Olmo before slotting past Mike Maignan. The European champions will now face the winner of Wednesday's semi-final between Argentina and England at the MetLife Stadium in New Jersey on 19 July.

Luis de la Fuente's side executed a tactical plan that neutralised France's much-vaunted attack, limiting Didier Deschamps' team to their first shot on target only in the 81st minute. Spanish media described the performance as a masterclass in control, with Rodri and Fabián Ruiz dominating midfield and the back four, led by Pau Cubarsí and Aymeric Laporte, smothering Kylian Mbappé and Ousmane Dembélé. The clean sheet was Spain's sixth of the tournament, extending their unbeaten run to 37 matches and equalling Italy's all-time record. De la Fuente, speaking after the match, declared that his side had faced "one of the best national teams in the world, but in front of them was the best team in the world."

France, who had not trailed at any point in the competition before this semi-final, were forced into an early defensive change when William Saliba departed with a back injury. Their frustration was epitomised by Mbappé, who was caught offside repeatedly and received a late yellow card for a challenge on goalkeeper Unai Simón. Analysts in Paris noted that the defeat marked the end of an era, as Deschamps, who became the coach with the most World Cup matches in history, will step down after 14 years. French outlets highlighted the team's inability to impose their attacking rhythm, with the front four of Mbappé, Dembélé, Bradley Barcola and Michael Olise rendered ineffective.

Across Latin America, the result was greeted with a wave of memes celebrating France's elimination, particularly after their contentious round-of-16 win over Paraguay. In Russia, coverage focused on Oyarzabal equalling the Spanish record of five goals at a single World Cup, while Asian outlets emphasised the 16-year gap since Spain's last final appearance. The victory sets up a final that could see Spain face either the defending champions Argentina or a resurgent England, with the Spanish federation confirming that King Felipe VI telephoned the dressing room to congratulate the squad. France will contest the third-place match in Miami on 18 July.