France and Spain face each other in the World Cup semi-finals
The hosts discuss the highly anticipated FIFA World Cup semi-final between France and Spain, which takes place today in Dallas. Sports and entertainment journalist Mike Gunzelman analyzes this intense match, highlighting Spain’s strong defense against Kylian Mbappé. He also reflects on the massive success of the tournament and the growing popularity of soccer in the United States.
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For only the second time in their country’s history, Spain qualified for the World Cup final thanks to a world-class performance in their 2-0 victory over France in the semi-final on Tuesday.
France were looking to return to the World Cup final for the third tournament in a row, but Kylian Mbappé and company were unable to hold off an all-out effort from Spain.
As they have throughout this tournament, Spain made their determination known from the first whistle, and France felt it. However, France have dominated the tournament so far, and their superstars have shown their ability to take control of the game.
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Spain’s Pedro Porro celebrates after scoring his team’s second goal during the 2026 FIFA World Cup semifinal between France and Spain at Dallas Stadium in Arlington, Texas, July 14, 2026. (David Ramos/Getty Images)
But for the first time in the World Cup, France found itself trailing after a costly error from veteran defender Lucas Digne.
After a Spanish cross crossed the French box, Digne could not read it correctly and his header sent the ball into the air. Digne went to clear it with his foot, but the Spanish phenomenon Lamine Yamal came flying to try to hinder the kick.
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Instead, Digne kicked Yamal, and as he was in the French box, the head referee sprinted to the center and pointed towards the circle for a penalty shot.
It was Mikel Oyarzabal who scored the penalty, and with four goals in the World Cup, he scored a fifth. French goalkeeper Mike Maignan guessed the right path by jumping to his left, but Oyarzabal’s shot was too perfect and crashed into the side net.
So in the 22nd minute Spain struck first and put France in a situation they hadn’t been in for some time. France was able to find a little momentum and create chances, but Spanish goalkeeper Unai Símon was ultimately not too threatened.
France’s Kylian Mbappe reacts during the 2026 FIFA World Cup semi-final between France and Spain at Dallas Stadium in Arlington, Texas on July 14, 2026. (Chris Brunskill/Fantasista)
At the start of the second half, France showed some ardor from the jump, but Spain thwarted every attempt. Then Pedro Porro’s run for Spain in the 58th minute changed everything.
Désiré Doué, who had just come on for France, did not follow Porro after passing to Dani Almo. Almo was quick to hand it off to his teammate, who only had Maignan to beat, and he did just that for only his second career goal for his country.
With a 2-0 lead, the situation became even more desperate for France in the second half. But once again Spain dug deep, getting clear clearances and tackles as the clock ticked down.
Mbappé won a free-kick just before the start of added time, but his attempt cleared the crossbar on an A-quality chance.
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 tournament, and better yet, a place in the World Cup final. Meanwhile, it has been more than 40 years since France last lost a World Cup knockout match.
Spain, the 2010 world champion, now awaits the winner of Wednesday’s semi-final between England and Argentina in Atlanta.
