Spain became the first finalist in the 2026 World Cup
The Spanish national team became the first finalist of the 2026 World Cup. In the semifinal match, “La Furia Roja” confidently defeated France and will continue its quest for the tournament’s top trophy.
The “Tricolors” crushed Sweden 3–0 in the first round of the playoffs. Forward Mbappé (with two goals) and striker Barcola each scored a goal. In the round of 16, Deschamps’ team defeated Paraguay (1–0). Mbappé scored the winning goal on a penalty kick. In the quarterfinals, the French national team defeated Morocco (2–0). Mbappé opened the scoring, and forward Dembélé sealed the victory for Les Bleus.
The Spanish national team began its quest for the trophy with a 3-0 rout of Austria in the Round of 32. Forward Oyarzabal scored twice, and defender Porro added another goal. In the round of 16, Luis de la Fuente’s team defeated Portugal (1–0) thanks to a goal by midfielder Merino. In the quarterfinals, Spain edged out Belgium (2–1). This time, midfielder Ruiz and Merino again scored the goals.
Both teams started the match rather cautiously, so there were almost no dangerous chances in front of the goal until the middle of the first half. Lucas Digne recklessly brought down Lamine Yamal in his own penalty area, and the referee awarded a penalty without hesitation.
Mikel Oyarzabal stepped up to take the penalty and calmly beat André Onana. The French goalkeeper guessed the direction of the shot but was unable to reach the ball.
After the goal, the game opened up, although the teams mostly exchanged off-target shots from outside the penalty area. The Spaniards had their best chance to double their lead in the 38th minute, when Fabián Ruiz shot from a favorable position, but his attempt was blocked by a defender at the last moment.
The French responded with a sharp counterattack late in the half. Bradley Barcola sent Kylian Mbappé one-on-one with Unai Simón with a superb pass, but the Spanish goalkeeper came off his line in time and cleared the ball from under the striker’s feet.
The start of the second half closely resembled the opening of the first. The French had more possession but failed to create any real danger in front of the opponent’s goal. In contrast, the Spanish team capitalized on their opportunity almost immediately. Dani Olmo delivered a spectacular one-touch pass to Pedro Porro, who burst into the penalty area and doubled his team’s lead with a precise shot into the lower right corner.
Shortly afterward, Spain even scored a third goal against France, but Lamine Yamal’s goal was disallowed for offside.
In the 66th minute, Kylian Mbappé had a chance to cut the deficit, but after a deflection off Marc Cucurella, the ball flew just wide of the post. In response, Ferran Torres took a dangerous header, but it also missed the target.
Toward the end of the game, Unai Simón left his goal to intercept a French attack. Dué hesitated to shoot immediately; after taking a few steps, he fired at the goalkeeper, who had managed to get back into position.
In the 89th minute, Les Bleus were awarded a promising free kick near the edge of the penalty area, but Mbappé shot over the crossbar. In stoppage time, Ousmane Dembélé had a chance to score, but his shot was too easy for Unai Simón, who handled the ball with ease.
Thus, Spain became the first finalist of the World Cup.
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