Spain Equal Italy's Unbeaten Record After Knocking France Out of FIFA World Cup 2026

Spain are just one win away from reclaiming football's biggest prize after a commanding 2-0 victory over France in the FIFA World Cup 2026 semi-final in Arlington, Texas. As La Roja booked only their second-ever World Cup final, the Spanish Royal Family led nationwide celebrations, praising the team's world-class display. The triumph also extended Spain's recent dominance over France, equalled Italy's long-standing unbeaten record, and set up a blockbuster final against either England or Argentina.

How did Spain outclass France to book a place in the World Cup final?

Spain delivered one of their most complete performances of the tournament, defeating France 2-0 to secure a place in the FIFA World Cup 2026 final. The victory marked their third consecutive win over Les Bleus, following triumphs in the UEFA Euro 2024 semi-finals and the 2025 UEFA Nations League semi-finals.

Mikel Oyarzabal opened the scoring from the penalty spot after French defender Lucas Digne brought down teenage sensation Lamine Yamal inside the box. Spain doubled their advantage early in the second half when full-back Pedro Porro finished off a flowing move after an intelligent flick from Dani Olmo.

Porro's all-round display earned him the Player of the Match award as Spain combined disciplined defending with clinical finishing—qualities that had occasionally eluded them earlier in the tournament.

France's evening became even more difficult when central defender William Saliba was forced off with a back injury midway through the first half, with Maxence Lacroix replacing him.

Despite boasting an attack featuring Kylian Mbappe, Ousmane Dembele and Michael Olise, France struggled to break down Spain's relentless pressing and organised defensive structure. Goalkeeper Unai Simon produced key saves, while Marc Cucurella made a crucial challenge to deny Mbappe as Spain comfortably protected their lead.

Head coach Didier Deschamps attempted to change the game's momentum by introducing Manu Kone for Adrien Rabiot at half-time before later bringing on Desire Doue and Rayan Cherki. However, Spain remained firmly in control throughout.

France also faced an unfavourable historical trend. Before this match, only Argentina against Italy in 1990 and Croatia against England in 2018 had recovered from a half-time deficit to win a FIFA World Cup semi-final.

Spain will now face either England or Argentina in the final on July 19 at the New York-New Jersey Stadium in East Rutherford, while France will play in the third-place playoff.

Why is this victory historic for Spain and Mikel Oyarzabal?

The victory carried multiple milestones for Spain.

La Roja equalled Italy's record of 37 consecutive matches unbeaten while reaching only the second FIFA World Cup final in their history. Their only previous appearance came in 2010, when Andres Iniesta's extra-time winner against the Netherlands secured Spain's maiden world title in South Africa.

Oyarzabal continued his remarkable scoring run by taking his tally to 18 goals in his last 20 appearances for Spain. His successful penalty also made him only the sixth player to score 30 international goals for the national team.

He joins an elite group comprising David Villa (59 goals), Raul (44), Fernando Torres (38), Alvaro Morata (37) and David Silva (35).

How did Spain's Royal Family react to La Roja's triumph?

Spain's Royal Family was among the first to congratulate the national team after the emphatic semi-final victory.

In a post on X, the official account of the Spanish Royal Family and the Household of King Felipe VI celebrated the team's achievement and urged them to finish the job in the final.

"Spain is in the final! You've once again proven why you're one of the world's great teams. Now, with an entire country by your side, the moment has come to fight for the title. Thank you for making us enjoy this journey. Go for it, @SEFutbol!"

The message reflected the mood across Spain as the nation celebrated another landmark performance from a team now within touching distance of a second FIFA World Cup title.

(With inputs from ANI)