Spain silences Mbappé, defeats France to reach first World Cup final since 2010

Spain moved within one victory of football's ultimate prize, producing a disciplined and clinical performance to defeat France 2-0 on Tuesday and book their first FIFA World Cup final appearance since lifting the trophy in 2010.

Mikel Oyarzabal converted a first-half penalty before Pedro Porro doubled the advantage after the break, while teenage sensation Lamine Yamal once again proved central to Spain's success despite seeing a goal ruled out for a marginal offside decision.

The victory sends La Roja into only the second World Cup final in the nation's history, where they will face either defending champions Argentina or England on Sunday at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey.

Teenage brilliance sets Spain on its way

Although Yamal was denied a goal shortly after halftime, the 19-year-old was instrumental in breaking the deadlock with a moment of sharp anticipation against France's experienced back line.

The breakthrough came in the 22nd minute after Yamal relentlessly pressured defender Lucas Digne inside the penalty area. Following an awkward first touch by Digne, the teenager raced in to challenge, forcing the French defender into a desperate clearance attempt that ended with Yamal being kicked after the ball deflected off his elbow.

The referee pointed immediately to the spot, and Oyarzabal calmly buried the penalty for his fifth goal of the tournament and his 30th in 60 international appearances for Spain.

It also marked the first time either side had fallen behind during their seven matches at this year's World Cup.

Porro finishes flowing move to double the lead

Spain tightened its grip on the contest in the 58th minute with a beautifully constructed attacking sequence.

Porro surged forward before exchanging passes with Dani Olmo, whose deft first-time return came just before he was sent tumbling by Dayot Upamecano. The fullback collected the pass and finished confidently to make it 2-0.

Moments later, Yamal thought he had added a third goal, but celebrations were cut short when a close offside decision ruled out the effort.

"We gave it our all in order just to go through to the final," Porro said. "We knew that we're a very tough team. We're doing things really well. This is our team. It's not about me."

French attack frustrated from start to finish

France entered the semi-final as FIFA's top-ranked nation and harbored hopes of becoming only the third team to reach three consecutive World Cup finals.

Instead, Kylian Mbappé and his teammates were comprehensively contained by a Spanish defense that has emerged as one of the tournament's defining strengths.

Goalkeeper Unai Simón recorded his sixth clean sheet in seven matches, with Spain conceding only one goal throughout the competition.

France, meanwhile, had surrendered just two goals across its first six games before Spain's relentless attacking pressure finally pierced its defense twice.

The defeat also snapped France's six-match World Cup winning streak, matching the nation's best runs achieved during the 2018 and 2022 tournaments.

Spain creates danger while preserving defensive dominance

Spain threatened well before taking the lead.

Alex Baena tested France from a dangerous free-kick after Adrien Rabiot was booked for fouling Olmo in the eighth minute, although the effort crashed into the defensive wall.

Another promising opportunity arrived in the 38th minute when French goalkeeper Mike Maignan misplayed a clearance directly to Baena. Spain quickly pieced together a series of crisp passes before Fabián Ruiz fired from close range, only for Maignan to recover with an important save.

Historic streak continues as final beckons

The victory also extended Spain's extraordinary run of consistency.

La Roja has now gone 37 consecutive matches without defeat in regulation time, winning 28 and drawing nine, since March 2024, surpassing the nation's previous record of 35 straight unbeaten matches established between 2007 and 2009.

It was also the third consecutive summer that Spain eliminated France in a major tournament semi-final, having prevailed 2-1 at UEFA Euro 2024, when Yamal famously scored days before turning 17, and followed that with a thrilling 5-4 Nations League semi-final triumph last year.

Now, with one final obstacle standing between Spain and a second World Cup crown, the European powerhouse heads to New Jersey brimming with confidence, defensive solidity, and the belief that another historic triumph is within reach.