France and Spain meet in the World Cup semi-final
The hosts discuss the highly anticipated FIFA World Cup semi-final clash between France and Spain, which will take place today in Dallas. Sports and entertainment journalist Mike Gunzelman analyzes the intense confrontation and highlights Spain’s strong defense against Kylian Mbappé. He also reflects on the enormous success of the tournament and the growing love for soccer in the United States.
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For the second time in their country’s history, Spain will go to the World Cup final thanks to a world-class performance in their 2-0 victory over France in the semi-finals on Tuesday.
France were looking to return to the World Cup final for the third consecutive tournament, but Kylian Mbappé and company could not muster a complete effort from Spain on all fronts.
As they have done throughout this tournament, Spain made their determination known from the first whistle and France felt it. However, France have been dominating in their own right up to this point in the tournament and their superstars have shown the ability to take over the game.
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Pedro Porro of Spain celebrates after scoring his team’s second goal during the 2026 FIFA World Cup semi-final match between France and Spain at Dallas Stadium in Arlington, Texas, on July 14, 2026. (David Ramos/Getty Images)
But for the first time in the World Cup, France found themselves losing after a costly mistake by veteran defender Lucas Digne.
After a Spanish cross crossed the France box, Digne couldn’t read it correctly and his header exploded the ball into the air. Digne tried to clear it with his foot, but Spanish phenomenon Lamine Yamal flew in to try to block the kick.
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Instead, Digne kicked Yamal and, since he was in the France area, the main referee ran to the center and pointed to the circle to take a penalty.
It was Mikel Oyarzabal who took the penalty and, with four goals in the World Cup, converted the fifth. French goalkeeper Mike Maignan got it right and jumped to his left, but Oyarzabal’s shot was too perfect and crashed into the side netting.
Thus, in the 22nd minute, Spain scored first and put France in a situation they had not been in for quite some time. France was able to find some momentum and create chances, but in the end Spanish goalkeeper Unai Símon did not look too threatened.
Kylian Mbappé of France reacts during the 2026 FIFA World Cup semi-final match between France and Spain at Dallas Stadium in Arlington, Texas, on July 14, 2026. (Chris Brunskill/Fantasista)
As the second half began, France showed some hustle from the jump, but Spain thwarted every attempt. Then Pedro Porro’s run for Spain in the 58th minute changed everything.
Desire Doue, who had just come on as a substitute for France, did not follow Porro after a pass to Dani Almo. Almo was quick to leave it in the hands of his teammate, who only had Maignan to match, and that’s what he did for his second career goal for his country.
With a 2-0 lead, things got more desperate for France in the second half. But once again, Spain dug deep, getting clean clearances and tackles as time ticked away.
Mbappé scored a free kick just before injury time began, but his attempt cleared the crossbar for a prime opportunity.
Mikel Oyarzabal of Spain celebrates after converting a penalty to score his team’s first goal during the 2026 FIFA World Cup semi-final match between France and Spain at Dallas Stadium in Arlington, Texas. (Lars Baron/Getty Images)
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The result? A historic sixth shutout for Spain in a single World Cup and, even better, a place in the World Cup final. Meanwhile, it has been more than 40 years since France lost a World Cup knockout match.
Spain, the 2010 World Cup champion, now awaits the winner of Wednesday’s semifinal between England and Argentina in Atlanta.
