Spain booked their place in only their second FIFA World Cup final after producing a stunning tactical display to beat tournament favourites France 2-0 in Tuesday’s semi-final, leaving the reigning European champions one win away from global glory.
Heading into the blockbuster encounter, France were widely tipped to progress after an impressive run through the tournament powered by stars such as Kylian Mbappe, Ousmane Dembele and Michael Olise.
Instead, Luis de la Fuente’s disciplined side delivered one of the performances of the tournament, dominating midfield, frustrating France’s dangerous attack and extending their unbeaten run to a record-equalling 37 matches.
The victory sends Spain into Sunday’s final, where they will face either defending champions Argentina or England, who meet in the second semi-final in Atlanta.
Despite arriving in the United States with little fanfare after drawing against tournament debutants Cape Verde in their opening game, Spain have grown stronger with every match. Their defensive solidity has become a defining feature, with six clean sheets in seven matches.
France struggled to impose themselves throughout the contest, managing only three shots on target as Spain dictated the tempo from start to finish.
Former Premier League striker Chris Sutton described the performance as a footballing lesson.
“Spain scalped France – they flattened France,” Sutton told BBC Radio 5 Live.
“We have given France so much praise in this tournament, but they were swatted aside by silky Spain. In the main, Spain have outfought and outplayed this French team.”
Former Manchester United captain Roy Keane also criticised France’s display.
“France were not playing as a team. Brilliant individuals not playing as a team,” Keane said on ITV.
“Spain have been absolutely brilliant – an absolute joy to watch.”
The result also represents another milestone for head coach Luis de la Fuente, whose appointment in December 2022 was initially met with scepticism after succeeding more established names in Spanish football.
Often referred to as “Luis de la Who?” following his promotion from Spain’s youth teams, the 65-year-old has now silenced his critics by leading La Roja to the 2023 UEFA Nations League title, Euro 2024 triumph and now a place in the 2026 FIFA World Cup final.
Spain won their only World Cup title under Vicente del Bosque in South Africa in 2010 and are now within touching distance of adding a second crown to their history.
If England overcome Argentina in the second semi-final, the final will recreate the Euro 2024 showpiece, offering Spain another opportunity to underline their dominance on the international stage.
