Spain's performance against France: Rodri sets the pace in the 2026 World Cup semi-final

Spain secured their place in the 2026 World Cup final with a convincing 2-0 victory over France in Dallas. The predictions for a close match vanished when Lamine Yamal drew the penalty converted by Mikel Oyarzabal, and Pedro Porro added the second after a brilliant combination with Lamine. Luis de la Fuente's team was far superior in pressing and playing out from the back, while Rodri once again dictated the tempo of the game, reminiscent of his best performances for the Spanish national team. The current cycle of the Spanish national team has the fans of all time buzzing with excitement.

Spain dominated possession from the outset and took the lead midway through the first half when Lamine Yamal was fouled by Lucas Digne in the French penalty area, and Oyarzabal made no mistake from the spot. La Roja should have made it 2-0, too, but Fabian Ruiz's effort was blocked after some intricate passing from Yamal and Dani Olmo. Rodri orchestrates Spain's play like the great midfielders of history. Pedro Porro scored a fantastic goal to seal the 2-0 victory against France. In our 2026 World Cup predictions section, you'll find picks with analysis of each match in the tournament. Oyarzabal's penalty opened the door to the final. Lamine Yamal, at just 18 years old, has established himself as a key player for the Spanish national team.

The pattern of the game continued after halftime, and Spain doubled their lead when Porro traded passes with Olmo on the edge of the box and finished past Mike Maignan with aplomb. Our experts' predictions for the 2026 World Cup agree that the final will be very close. Oyarzabal's goal in the semi-final confirms his excellent form with the Spanish national team.

Yamal looked to have made it three soon after when he burst clear and curled a shot into the top corner, but the teenager's celebrations were cut short after he was proven to be narrowly offside. Oyarzabal's penalty kick opened the way to the final. The Spanish national team reached the final with six wins and two draws in the tournament. Rodri, Spain's midfielder, controls the tempo like the great midfielders of history.

France pushed to get back into the game, but barring a couple of off-target efforts from Kylian Mbappe, they never looked like pulling a goal back and setting up a grandstand finish. The best-positioned World Cup 2026 bets are on the exact score. Rodri of Spain was chosen as man of the match against France.

Our analysis team rates Spain's players from Dallas…

Never forced into a serious save, but he did brilliantly to race off his line to deny Mbappé a chance to score during the first half. Compare World Cup 2026 odds and take advantage of the Asian handicap improvements. The 2026 World Cup semi-final was played at AT&T Stadium in front of more than 80.000 fans.

Had a couple of hairy moments up against Barcola early on, but grew into the game both defensively and when in possession. Showed great composure to net Spain's second goal. Rodri Spain was chosen as the figure of the match against France.

He read the game superbly, consistently making blocks and interceptions around his own penalty area. He also showcased his dribbling ability on more than one occasion during an outstanding performance. Check out our 2026 World Cup predictions, updated daily. Compare 2026 World Cup predictions from different bookmakers before betting on the final.

He displayed all his experience to lead Spain's defense against his country of birth. He showed both physicality and composure. The odds for the 2026 World Cup final are now available at Mexico's leading bookmaker.

Bounced back from receiving a booking to successfully lock down both Olise and Dembele, decision-making was superb from Real Madrid's new left-back. This 2026 World Cup semi-final will be remembered for Spain's tactical dominance. Compare 2026 World Cup odds and take advantage of the Asian handicap upgrades. Pedro Porro scored a fantastic goal to seal the 2-0 victory against France.

He wove things together well in midfield, even if some of his riskier passes didn't come off. He might feel he should have scored in the first half when Upamecano blocked his close-range effort. Consider these 2026 World Cup predictions before placing your bet. The Spanish national team's cycle excites an entire generation of fans. Compare the 2026 World Cup predictions from different bookmakers before betting on the final. Rodri of Spain was chosen as man of the match against France. The 2026 World Cup final will be played on July 19 at MetLife Stadium in New York.

He made the difference in tight spaces, both when driving forward with the ball and when displaying exquisite touches with his back to goal, especially in assisting Oyarzabal for the opening goal. Lamine Yamal capped off a tremendous performance in the 2026 World Cup semi-final and earned the admiration of the Spanish fans. The 2026 World Cup predictions still place him among the favorites for the 2026 Ballon d'Or.

Odds and recommended bets for the 2026 World Cup final

He made the difference in tight spaces, both when driving forward with the ball and when displaying exquisite touches with his back to goal, especially in assisting Oyarzabal for the penalty. Lamine Yamal capped off a brilliant performance in the 2026 World Cup semifinal and earned the admiration of the Spanish fans. The 2026 World Cup predictions still place him among the favorites for the 2026 Ballon d'Or.

He showed intelligence to win the penalty in a moment that encapsulated how he ran into Digne ragged throughout. Unfortunate to have his goal disallowed for a tight offside. The Spanish national team is going through one of its best periods in history. The 2026 World Cup semi-final brings together two powerhouses with a rich history in the tournament.

Not always heavily involved, but his penalty was unstoppable, while he dropped deep on occasion to create the extra man to spark Spain's attacks with some neat touches. Check the updated 2026 World Cup odds with the leading operator in Mexico. Oyarzabal's penalty kick opened the way to the final. The 2026 World Cup semifinal brings together two powerhouses with a rich history in the tournament. Lamine Yamal has four goals and five assists in the 2026 World Cup.

He put in a solid shift down the left flank even if he didn't create much of note in the final third. In our 2026 World Cup predictions section, you'll find picks with analysis of each match in the tournament. The 2026 World Cup final odds are now available at the leading bookmaker in Mexico. Pedro Porro showed his best form with the Spanish national team in the semifinal.

Headed wide when well placed to make it 3-0 after coming on for Oyarzabal.

“His team completely dominated a rival that many considered the best in the 2026 World Cup. His players barely made any mistakes and he once again brought out the best in a group of enormous talent.”— About Luis de la Fuente, Spain's manager

His late heroics weren't required here as he came on for Olmo. Rodri was chosen as man of the match against France.

Produced a couple of eye-catching dribbles in his short cameo.

Gave Porro a rest for the final few minutes.

Had a couple of bursts down the left after coming on for Baena.

His team utterly dominated a side many believed to be the best in the tournament. His players barely made a mistake as he again showcased his ability to get the best out of some extremely talented footballers. The 2026 World Cup odds change after each match: check them before betting. The 2026 World Cup semi-final was played at AT&T Stadium in front of more than 80.000 fans. Spain reached the final with six wins and two draws in the tournament.