The match, which media announced as the "final before the final," ended before France had a chance to remind everyone why it was considered a favorite in the first place. Spain won 2:0 at AT&T Stadium in Dallas and became the first finalist of the 2026 World Cup — just as it was in 2010, when La Roja won its only championship title to date.
How It Happened
The first half was closed and calculated — until Luca Dinh tripped Lamín Yamal in the penalty area. Mikel Oyarzabal converted the penalty confidently with no chance for the goalkeeper.
In the 58th minute, Spain made the score irreversible: Pedro Porro played a one-two with Dani Olmo and slotted the ball into the net. After this goal, the French attack — with Kylian Mbappé and Michael Olise in the lineup — never found an answer.
"Absurd abundance of talent on the field... was reduced to a masterclass performance by one immaculate team"
Yahoo Sports on the nature of the match
Yamal: The Same Scenario, the Second Time
18-year-old Lamín Yamal didn't score — but once again became a key figure against France: it was on him that the penalty was earned, it was around him that Spain built its play in the flanking zone. At Euro 2024, he already scored against the French in the semifinal and became the youngest goalscorer in the tournament's history. The 2026 World Cup is his first full-scale tournament after returning from a hamstring injury.
Context That Changes the Picture
- France came into this match having gone through the playoffs without conceding a single goal — Sweden, Paraguay, Morocco. Spain stopped this streak with their very first shot on goal from the penalty spot.
- This is Spain's third World Cup final after 2010 and 2022 (when they lost to Argentina). Both previous times they advanced past France or teams of France's caliber.
- For the first time since 1990, all four World Cup semifinalists are former world champions.
What's Next
In the second semifinal — England against Argentina in Atlanta. Lamín Yamal openly stated that he wants to face Argentina in the final — and exchange a jersey with Messi. The final is scheduled for Sunday.
If Argentina defeats England, the final will become a direct duel between the next generation and the generation that is departing: will Spain's Yamal be able to do what Zidane's France never managed to do — pass the trophy on directly?
