Spain shut out France 2-0 to reach second-ever World Cup final on 37-game unbeaten run

Spain reached their second-ever World Cup final on Tuesday night, defeating France 2-0 at AT&T Stadium in Dallas to extend their remarkable unbeaten run to 37 games. Goals from Mikel Oyarzabal and Pedro Porro, in front of 70,176 fans, sealed a result that was as commanding as the scoreline suggests.

It was the third consecutive summer that Spain have knocked France out in the last four of a major tournament — following a 2-1 victory at Euro 2024 and a 5-4 win in last year’s Nations League. This time there was no drama required. Spain were ruthlessly efficient, neutralising one of the world’s most dangerous attacks through an aggressive high press that left Kylian Mbappé — who arrived at the semifinal with eight goals — with just three shots and none on target.

Spain have now outscored their seven World Cup opponents 13-1 and recorded a tournament-record sixth clean sheet, the latest coming against a French side that had scored 16 goals in their previous matches.

“It’s a dream come true,” said Porro after the match. “I couldn’t even dream of this. I’m so happy because of the team’s attitude from beginning to end. We gave it our all in order to go through to the final.”

Teenage sensation Lamine Yamal, who turned 19 on Monday, did not need to produce a defining individual moment for Spain to advance. He did, however, force the penalty that put his side ahead in the first half with a clever piece of play, before having a goal ruled offside. The depth behind him tells its own story — world-class players such as Pedri, Nico Williams and Mikel Merino were all used as substitutes.

Manager Luis de la Fuente arrived late to his post-match press conference after the squad received a congratulatory call from King Felipe VI of Spain. When he did speak, he was characteristically measured in explaining what drives this side.

“We did it with discipline, being organized, with sacrifice, with commitment, with effort,” De la Fuente said. “I think that what we do best as Spanish football players is interpret and read the game. They know how to behave in defensive and offensive phases and in the midfield.”

Long after the final whistle, with lawnmowers already out on the pitch, Spain’s supporters were still inside the stadium — dancing, singing and chanting “Olé” into the Dallas night. La Roja, Europe’s defending champion and now a game away from becoming world champion, gave them every reason to stay.