Spain are back in the World Cup final after a controlled 2-0 win over France, ending Les Bleus’ bid to reach another final and sending La Roja to the global showpiece for only the second time in their history.
Official FIFA match-centre data confirms Spain’s 2-0 win over France, with Mikel Oyarzabal scoring from the penalty spot in the 22nd minute and Pedro Porro adding the second in the 58th. According to the match report reviewed by IDNN, Spain controlled key phases of the semi-final and kept a sixth clean sheet in seven matches.
The match began cautiously, but Spain looked more settled in possession. France threatened when Ousmane Dembélé released Kylian Mbappé, only for Spain’s back line to recover and shut down the danger.
The breakthrough came in the 22nd minute after Lamine Yamal stole the ball from Lucas Digne and won a penalty. Oyarzabal converted clinically to put Spain ahead. France suffered another blow shortly afterwards when William Saliba was forced off, though no injury diagnosis is stated here.
France tried to respond, but Spain repeatedly regained control. Didier Deschamps introduced Manu Koné and Désiré Doué after the interval, but Spain doubled their advantage moments after Doué’s arrival. Porro exchanged passes with Dani Olmo before beating Mike Maignan for his second international goal.
Lamine Yamal later had a goal ruled out for a marginal offside, while France’s clearest late moments failed to change the direction of the game. Aurélien Tchouaméni sent an effort over, Marc Cucurella deflected Mbappé’s strike wide, and Spain restored enough control to protect the lead.
For France, the defeat ends a run of recent final dominance. The reviewed match report notes that this will be the first of the last three World Cup finals not to feature France, leaving Deschamps disappointed on a day when he became the first manager to take charge of 26 World Cup matches.
For Spain, the victory is bigger than one result. It is a statement of control, structure and timing. Sixteen years after their 2010 triumph, La Roja are one match away from another world title.