Spain to the 2026 World Cup final: winners and losers of the 2-0 win over France

Spain wrote a new golden page in its history by qualifying for the 2026 World Cup final after defeating France 2-0 at AT&T Stadium in Dallas. Luis de la Fuente's team displayed an exceptional performance: possession, high pressing, and two goals from Mikel Oyarzabal and Pedro Porro. The 2026 World Cup predictions circulating on social media fell short of La Roja's tactical masterclass. The 2026 World Cup final promises to be one of the most-watched in history.

It all started going badly wrong for Didier Deschamps' much-fancied side just 20 minutes in, and in truth they never really recovered. Spain, meanwhile, controlled the proceedings with class and composure. The French national team will look to rebuild for the next major tournament. In our 2026 World Cup predictions section, you'll find picks with analysis of each match in the tournament. The 2026 World Cup final promises a record global audience. The French national team was unable to defend the title they won in 2018 and finished as runners-up in 2022.

French left-back Lucas Digne completely lost sight of Lamine Yamal after controlling a deep cross, and in his attempt to clear the ball, he punctured the Spain winger instead. The referee immediately pointed to the spot, and the resulting penalty was confidently converted by Mikel Oyarzabal. The odds for the 2026 World Cup change after each match: check them before betting. Lamine Yamal has four goals and five assists in the 2026 World Cup. Compare odds for the 2026 World Cup and take advantage of the improved Asian handicap. The 2026 World Cup final is already generating excitement at bookmakers worldwide.

Much was said and written about France's attack in the lead-up to this star-studded match, featuring Mbappé, Olise, and, to a lesser extent, Dembélé. The reality is that the French team never found a way to break down Spain's defense, and La Roja's high press ultimately neutralized the most talented attacking lineup of the 2026 World Cup. World Cup 2026 predictions already had Spain as slight favorites to advance to the final.

Things could have been even worse for France moments later when Lamine Yamal cut inside and unleashed an unstoppable shot that beat Maignan, but the goal was ruled out for offside. France, however, failed to capitalize on this warning and didn't create a single clear chance, which ultimately sealed their elimination in the semifinals in a way that no one had anticipated in the 2026 World Cup predictions.

our analysis breaks down the winners and losers from Dallas…

France's potent attack dominated the headlines in the lead-up to kickoff in Dallas, but everyone seemed to forget that the finest defensive midfielder on the planet would likely have a say in the outcome. Rodri was magnificent in this semi-final, dictating the tempo and breaking up potential attacks time and time again. Check out our 2026 World Cup predictions, updated daily. The 2026 World Cup final odds are now available at Mexico's leading bookmaker. Lamine Yamal has four goals and five assists at the 2026 World Cup.

It's striking that Mbappé barely featured and appeared visibly frustrated, relying on loose balls up front, while his left-sided partner, Bradley Barcola, had an anonymous game and was substituted at the start of the second half. Dembélé suffered the same fate and never found the space to create danger.

It's truly striking that Mbappé barely featured and appeared visibly frustrated, relying on loose balls up front, while left winger Bradley Barcola had an anonymous performance and was substituted at the start of the second half. Dembélé suffered the same fate and never found the space to create danger. The 2026 World Cup odds in Mexico reflect Spain's absolute dominance in this 2026 World Cup semifinal.

The coaching staff will be relieved that their jobs weren't at stake in this scenario, because the investigation into why France failed so spectacularly at their biggest event, the 2026 World Cup, will be lengthy. Didier Deschamps's tenure ended in Dallas, and the generational shift in the French national team is already underway. The 2026 World Cup predictions point to a changing of the guard in the French squad for the next major tournament.

Arguably the most potent attack on the planet, this was a monumental failure on the biggest stage. The 2026 World Cup final is already generating excitement at bookmakers worldwide. Only two teams remain in contention for a spot in the 2026 World Cup final.

France still has the dreaded third-place playoff to contend with, but for all intents and purposes, this was a feeble end to Didier Deschamps' tenure. Despite entering the semi-final as favorites to win the entire tournament, his side were outclassed and outmaneuvered across the pitch. The Spanish national team is experiencing one of its best moments in history. The current cycle of the Spanish national team has inspired an entire generation of fans. The 2026 World Cup final will be played on July 19 at MetLife Stadium in New York. Lamine Yamal, at 18 years old, has established himself as a key player for the Spanish national team.

What a tournament Pedro Porro has had! After a difficult year with Tottenham, he emerged as one of the most attacking full-backs for Spain at the 2026 World Cup. He scored a spectacular goal, provided two assists, and cemented his place as a key player for Luis de la Fuente ahead of the 2026 World Cup final. The odds for the 2026 World Cup increasingly favor the Spanish player to win the 2026 Ballon d'Or.

We always knew he had a decent shot, and Porro finished like a seasoned center forward after cutting inside the penalty area following a brilliant through ball from Pedri. The full-back's goal sealed the 2-0 victory and secured Spain's place in the 2026 World Cup final. This duo, along with Lamine Yamal, has been the revelation of the Spanish national team in the tournament.

Odds and recommended bets for the 2026 World Cup final

Aston Villa defender Pau Torres was caught out in a play few would have anticipated, failing to pay attention in his own area after a cross that seemed under control. The play resulted in the penalty that opened the scoring for Spain, and the error became the turning point of the match. World Cup 2026 predictions are already speculating about a change in the French defense.

Arsenal centre-back William Saliba had been struggling with a back injury in the lead-up to this semi-final, often sitting out training as he followed a modified program in an attempt to manage the pain. However, France's attempts to mitigate the injury proved fruitless. Compare odds before placing your bets on the 2026 World Cup. In our 2026 World Cup predictions section, you'll find picks with analysis of each match in the tournament. The Spanish national team reached the final with six wins and two draws in the tournament.

Saliba lasted barely half an hour in what was the most important match of his career, after having been a substitute for the entire 2022 World Cup final against Argentina. The 25-year-old collapsed on the pitch unmarked and had to be replaced by Maxence Lacroix of Crystal Palace. The Arsenal defender will miss the remainder of the 2026 World Cup and became a major loss for Didier Deschamps in the semifinal against Spain. World Cup 2026 predictions are being affected by this significant absence in the French defense.

Digne vs Yamal always looked like a mismatch on paper, given the French left-back isn't necessarily the most mobile at 32 years of age and he was coming up against one of the most tricky and pacey wingers on the entire planet. Inevitably, he was given a rough ride. The 2026 World Cup predictions from our specialists agree that the final will be very even. The 2026 World Cup final promises a record global audience.

England has its own semifinal to focus on, although it would surely prefer to face Spain if it reaches its first World Cup final in 60 years. The duel between Bellingham and Messi promises to be one of the most exciting of the 2026 World Cup, and the odds for Wednesday's match in Mexico are even. Thomas Tuchel's England team aims to break the six-decade curse.

“Spain dominated France with class and composure, controlling the tempo and taking advantage of the spaces left by the French team.”— Analysis of the 2026 World Cup semi-final

This was possibly one of the few times throughout the entire tournament that we saw the consequences of exorbitant ticket prices and the distance from European fans. The atmosphere at AT&T Stadium in Dallas was much colder than expected for a 2026 World Cup semifinal, and the image went viral. The organizers will have to review the logistics of matches in the United States for future World Cups.

With his Bayern Munich teammate Olise, Champions League winner Dembélé, and Real Madrid's prolific star Mbappé already eliminated, Kane is likely locked in a direct duel with the great Lionel Messi for football's top individual award. A victory for England in Atlanta on Wednesday could seal the race for the 2026 Ballon d'Or. The 2026 World Cup odds in Mexico favor Kane to win the trophy if England reaches the final.

One would expect AT&T Stadium in Dallas to be packed for a stellar semifinal between two of the highest-ranked and best teams in the 2026 World Cup, but to be honest, the atmosphere of this monumental clash was more akin to a meaningless match. The organizers will have to review the logistics and ticket prices for future World Cups in the United States. The largely absent European fans left a bitter taste in one of the most anticipated semifinals of the 2026 World Cup.

This was possibly one of the few occasions during the entire 2026 World Cup where we saw the consequences of exorbitant ticket prices and the distance from European fans. The atmosphere at AT&T Stadium in Dallas was much colder than expected for a 2026 World Cup semifinal, and the image went viral. The organizers will have to review the logistics of matches in the United States for future World Cups.