Spain to Fight for a Second Star in New York

Fate once again brought Spain and France together on football's grandest stage. Dallas played host to a semi-final worthy of the occasion, as two of the world's leading footballing nations battled for a place in the 2026 FIFA World Cup Final in New York and the chance to continue dreaming of lifting the game's ultimate prize.

The atmosphere had been building for hours before kick-off. The excitement generated by both sets of supporters gradually gave way to the tension that only a World Cup semi-final can produce. On the pitch, two contrasting styles collided. Spain immediately sought to dominate possession through patient, controlled build-up, while France looked to strike at pace whenever they regained the ball.

After a cagey opening with few clear-cut opportunities, the breakthrough came in one of the game's defining moments. Lucas Digne caught Lamine Yamal inside the penalty area while attempting to clear the ball, and Salvadoran referee Iván Barton pointed straight to the spot. Mikel Oyarzabal, as reliable as ever from 12 yards, calmly beat Mike Maignan with a left-footed finish to give Spain the lead midway through the first half.

The goal reinforced Spain's authority and confidence. In the 38th minute, a flowing one-touch move involving Álex Baena, Dani Olmo, Lamine Yamal and Fabián Ruiz almost produced a second for Oyarzabal, only for a French defender to divert the effort behind for a corner. Just before half-time, Unai Simón was alert to race off his line and intercept a dangerous counter-attack that threatened to send Kylian Mbappé through on goal. Spain weathered France's late pressure and took a deserved one-goal advantage into the interval.

The second half followed a similar pattern. Spain continued to control possession, while France remained dangerous on the break. Just before the hour mark, Dani Olmo delivered a superb through ball that released Pedro Porro, who finished with composure to score his second goal of the tournament and double Spain's advantage.

Moments later, Lamine Yamal thought he had added a third, but Iván Barton ruled the goal out for a marginal offside.

Mikel Merino made his 50th appearance for Spain.

The closing stages became increasingly open as France committed numbers forward in search of a way back into the contest, while Spain defended resolutely to protect their lead. Désiré Doué, Kylian Mbappé and Ousmane Dembélé all tested the tournament's outstanding defence, but found no way past it. At the other end, substitutes Ferran Torres and Nico Williams also threatened, although neither could beat Maignan.

When the final whistle sounded, jubilation erupted among a Spain side that continues to write glorious new chapters in the history of the national team.

Sixteen years after conquering the world in South Africa, Spain will once again compete for football's greatest prize. After lifting the UEFA Nations League in 2023 and UEFA EURO 2024, Luis de la Fuente's remarkable generation now stands one victory away from adding a second FIFA World Cup star to the shirt.

Spain are through to the World Cup Final.