Spain Halt France's Three-Consecutive World Cup Final Dream to Reach 2026 Showpiece

Didier Deschamps' side arrived in the last four carrying the weight of history. Having won the World Cup in 2018 and finished runners-up in 2022, Les Bleus were hoping to become the first nation in the modern era to reach three successive World Cup finals.

The quest for a third consecutive final hit a road block as, they ran into a Spanish team that combined tactical discipline with clinical finishing, leaving the team, arguably the tournament’  favourites, losing out on a 2:0 scoreline.

Spain struck first through Mikel Oyarzabal, who calmly converted from the penalty spot after France were penalised for a foul inside the area. The goal relieved La Roja, who controlled possession and denied France the space to launch their trademark counter-attacks.

Despite boasting a star-studded attack, France struggled to create clear-cut opportunities as Spain's midfield controlled the tempo. Whenever Les Bleus threatened, the Spanish defence remained organised, frustrating the 2018 world champions.

Pedro Porro sealed Spain's place in the final with a superb second-half finish, putting the result beyond doubt and sparking jubilant celebrations among the Spanish supporters.

The victory sends Spain into their first World Cup final since in South Africa in 2010. It also extends an impressive tournament run that has seen them eliminate Portugal, Belgium and now France en route to the final.

For France, the defeat marks a disappointing end to an ambitious bid for history. Deschamps' men will now turn their attention to the third-place playoff, while reflecting on a campaign that ultimately fell one step short of another appearance on football's biggest stage.

Spain will now await the winner of the second semi-final between England and Argentina, with the chance to claim a second FIFA World Cup title and cap a memorable tournament with silverware.