Spain has advanced to its first World Cup final since 2010 after defeating France 2-0 on Tuesday. The victory, secured by goals from Mikel Oyarzabal and Pedro Porro, marks Spain's return to the championship match of soccer's premier tournament.
Mikel Oyarzabal opened the scoring in the 22nd minute with a penalty kick, which was awarded after a skillful play by 19-year-old Lamine Yamal. Yamal drew a foul in the penalty area when he challenged for the ball after a defender's miscue. Pedro Porro extended Spain's lead to 2-0 in the 58th minute, following a quick give-and-go with Dani Olmo.
France, ranked No. 1 by FIFA, was attempting to become only the third team in history to reach three consecutive World Cup finals. Instead, the French team will compete in the third-place game. Spain will face the winner of the semifinal match between defending champion Argentina and England.
This victory continues a recent trend of Spain overcoming France in major tournament semifinals. Spain also defeated France in the semifinals of the 2024 European Championship and in the 2023 Nations League. Yamal, who celebrated his 19th birthday a day before the match, also scored in the European Championship semifinal win.