Spain Stun France 2-0 in World Cup Semifinal: Oyarzabal and Porro Strike

FolioPitch.com – 15 July 2026 | The World Cup semi-final France vs Spain official line-ups Milan pair start became the talking point of the evening at AT&T Stadium in Dallas, as Spain defeated France 2-0 to advance to the World Cup Final. The match, which kicked off at 20.00 UK time, saw Spain deliver a dominant performance despite France entering as favorites. The World Cup semi-final France vs Spain official line-ups Milan pair start featured AC Milan duo Mike Maignan and Adrien Rabiot in the French lineup, but it was not enough to stop a resilient Spanish side.

France head coach Didier Deschamps made a significant change for the World Cup semi-final France vs Spain official line-ups Milan pair start, benching Roma midfielder Manu Koné in favor of fit-again Aurélien Tchouaméni. This decision meant that only two Serie A players—both from Milan—started for France: goalkeeper Mike Maignan and midfielder Adrien Rabiot. The French side, which had won all six previous matches in the tournament, looked confident but struggled to break down a disciplined Spanish defense.

Spain, under Luis de la Fuente, fielded an unchanged lineup from their quarterfinal win over Belgium. Goalkeeper Unai Simón, who had set a record for most minutes without conceding at a World Cup, continued his impressive form. The Spanish attack was led by Mikel Oyarzabal, who opened the scoring in the 22nd minute with a clinical finish. Marc Cucurella had earlier received a yellow card, but Spain remained composed.

The second half saw Spain double their lead in the 58th minute. Pedro Porro scored with an assist from Dani Olmo, leaving the French defense flat-footed. France pushed hard for a comeback, with Kylian Mbappé testing Simón, but the Spanish goalkeeper held firm. The final scoreline remained 2-0, sending Spain to the final against the winner of England vs Argentina on July 19.

The World Cup semi-final France vs Spain official line-ups Milan pair start highlighted the tactical battle between Deschamps and de la Fuente. While France dominated possession (51%) and had more shots on target (3 vs 2), Spain were more efficient in front of goal. The match also saw the return of Tchouaméni, who provided stability in midfield but could not prevent the Spanish counter-attacks.

For France, the defeat ends a remarkable run that saw them score 16 goals in six matches. Kylian Mbappé was relatively quiet, well-marshaled by Pau Cubarsí and Aymeric Laporte. The Milan pair Maignan and Rabiot did their best, but Maignan could do little about the goals, and Rabiot was substituted in the 46th minute for Manu Koné.

Spain’s victory was built on a solid team performance. Mikel Merino again came off the bench as a super-sub, while Lamine Yamal and Dani Olmo caused problems down the flanks. The World Cup semi-final France vs Spain official line-ups Milan pair start will be remembered for Spain’s tactical discipline and clinical finishing.

In conclusion, Spain’s 2-0 win over France in the World Cup semi-final was a testament to their resilience and tactical flexibility. The World Cup semi-final France vs Spain official line-ups Milan pair start may have featured Milan stars, but it was Spain’s collective effort that booked their place in the final. France will now reflect on what might have been, while Spain prepare for a shot at glory.