Spain Reaches First World Cup Final Since 2010 with Clinical Victory Over France

ARLINGTON, Texas — Spain moved within one match of reclaiming global football supremacy on Tuesday, defeating France 2-0 to secure a place in the World Cup final for the first time in 14 years. A disciplined defensive performance and clinical finishing at AT&T Stadium ended the run of a high-powered French side, marking La Roja’s return to the sport’s biggest stage since their maiden title in 2010.

Luis de la Fuente’s side took control in the 22nd minute when Mikel Oyarzabal converted from the penalty spot. The opportunity arose after French defender Lucas Digne committed a foul on Lamine Yamal inside the area. Spain doubled their advantage just before the hour mark through Pedro Porro, effectively neutralizing a French attack that had been the most prolific in the tournament until the semi-final stage.

France entered the contest having scored 16 goals across the competition, led by Kylian Mbappe, who remains the joint-top scorer with eight goals. However, the Spanish defense produced a masterclass in containment, restricting Les Bleus to a mere 0.3 expected goals (xG) over the 90 minutes. The result ends France’s hopes of a third consecutive World Cup final appearance, following their 2018 victory and 2022 runner-up finish.

“It is difficult to describe how one feels, but I know it is something that resembles happiness,” De la Fuente said following the final whistle. “The pride I have for every single one of this group of players is great, but now we have to keep going. We still have one more step to go. We’re going to try to achieve it.”

A Tactical Evolution Realized

The victory serves as a validation of the project De la Fuente initiated nearly four years ago. Since taking the helm in 2022, the manager has evolved Spain’s traditional possession-based style into a more balanced and clinical system. Under his tenure, the team has remained undefeated since a solitary loss to Colombia shortly after his appointment.

“A lot of tension builds up, it is a huge responsibility, and to be in the final of a World Cup is a luxury,” De la Fuente remarked. “It is only for the chosen ones and the rest have to try to repeat it, not in this squad, but when we started almost four years ago with an idea, a philosophy, and that has brought us here.”

Spain’s performance against a French side that had conceded only twice throughout the entire tournament was particularly noteworthy. While France boasts a squad of elite individual talents, Spain’s collective cohesion proved superior in Arlington. De la Fuente was bold in his assessment of the current hierarchy in international football.

“Today we played one of the national teams in the world, but they came up against the best team in the world,” he said. “These players deserve it all because they show day after day their commitment, their generosity, their talent. It was marvellous to see them play so spectacularly today. They make the difficult look so easy.”

The Road to July 19

For Spain, the win represents a historic milestone. After the “Golden Generation” won three consecutive major trophies between 2008 and 2012, the national team underwent a period of transition and early tournament exits. Reaching the final on American soil signals a definitive return to the elite tier of the sport.

Reflecting on the national sentiment, De la Fuente expressed his gratitude to the fans. “Total gratitude for the huge displays of support and affection and strength that they send to us,” he said. “It is an honour to be Spanish, it is an honour to feel like you are bringing together a whole country.”

Spain will now await the outcome of the second semi-final between England and Argentina. The World Cup final is scheduled to take place on July 19, where La Roja will seek their second star.