The first semifinal matchup at the 2026 World Cup featured two European giants, France and Spain. Neither team had lost a game so far, and their styles of play had played a big part in that. Combined, these two teams had let in only three goals in 12 games. Would this play a role in this match to reach the tournament final?
France was dubbed the best team heading into this World Cup. Many said they could field two teams with the talent on their roster and that both would meet in the final because of how good they were. Through six games at this tournament, France scored 16 goals and conceded just twice. This team is composed of star individuals who were hell-bent on bending their opposition to their will with lethal attacking movements.
Spain is the reigning European Champion and has almost been slept on at the 2206 World Cup. After their opening game, a 0-0 draw with Cape Verde, Spain rattled off five wins, scoring 11 goals while letting in just one. Spain's suffocating ability to defend as a unit and their beautiful passing to break teams down made them a favorite to win the whole tournament. They're a collective that believes in and trusts in one another. At the semifinals, they faced their stiffest test against France
General view as the teams line up during the national anthems before the match
TIM HEITMAN
Both teams lined up in a 4-2-3-1 formation, but the histories of how France and Spain have utilized this shape differ. La Roja plays a "Tiki-taka" style. They obliterate teams with their possession-based, fast-passing sequences to wear them down before going in for the kill. Le Bleus play more pragmatically, using physicality to wear teams down, while remaining highly adaptable in the moments of the match when they can pounce. This game would hinge on one team's ability to execute its game plan to a T.
Spain's Mikel Oyarzabal scores their first goal from the penalty spot
Kai Pfaffenbach
In a match between two teams with high-powered attacks, the game started with few chances to score. There were only seven shots in the first half, and that seemed a strategic move by Spain. The European Champions stifled France's ability to hit teams on the break by keeping possession in the middle of the field. Spain then picked their moments to spring forward and create attacks.
After 20 minutes, teenage sensation Lamine Yamal was played into France's box and had his leg kicked out from under him, winning a penalty. Mikel Oyarzabal stepped up and slotted home the PK to give Spain a 1-0 lead. France had about 20 minutes to find one of their creative attacking moments, but they couldn't. Spain flustered them with and without the ball. As the game went into halftime, France's panic meter rose.
Spain's Pedro Porro scores their second goal
Hannah McKay
The second half began, and France still couldn't find a way to break down Spain. Down 1-0 already, Les Bleus tried to play a bit more open, but Spain continued to shut down their attacks. As this occurred, the French players showed their frustration through body language and by arguing with one another. This saw them make uncharacteristic mistakes in a second half in which France created just eight shots, three on target, none of which really tested Spain. Matters would get worse for the French in the 58th minute.
Spanish midfielder Dani Olmo played maestro as French defenders closed in on him, playing a clever ball behind the backline to a charging Pedro Porro, who was in on goal. He took two touches and waited for the keeper to come out before smashing the ball past him to make it 2-0. France was rocked to their core and had no answers to Spain's midfield pressure and passing. Yamal thought he had given Spain a three-goal lead after he put the ball into the back of the net, but he was ruled offside in the buildup. In the end, it would end as a 2-0 Spain win.
Spain's Mikel Oyarzabal celebrates scoring their first goal with Lamine Yamal and Dani Olmo
Albert Gea
Spain is on to the 2026 World Cup Final! They did so in dominant fashion over a "super-human" French side. France played so well at this tournament, then hit a wall. This team will look for a bit of redemption this Saturday in the third-place game.
Spain is a team that made history with their 2-0 scoreline. La Roja is the first-ever side to get six clean sheets in a Men's World Cup. They'll look to get a seventh against either Argentina or England.
Today is the second semifinal as England and Argentina square off in a match that has a lot riding on it. Obviously, it's a chance to reach the World Cup final, but there is also a lot of bad blood between these nations. Multiple World Cup matches between Argentina and England have resulted in famous moments and controversy alike.
Diego Maradona's brace in the "Hand of God" game in 1986 and David Beckham's red card in 1998 resulted in the breaking of English hearts. Will 2026 be more of the same, or will the Three Lions make it to their first World Cup final since they won the tournament on home soil back in 1966?
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England |
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Fox, Fox One, Telemundo, Peacock |
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