Spain advances to second-ever World Cup Final following 2-0 win

Spain toppled France in their 2-0 victory on Tuesday to advance to their second World Cup Final.

First half

France looked capitalize on a great opportunity in the 15th minute.

A pass from Ousmane Dembélé would find a charging Kylian Mbappé in space.

But Mbappé could not find a clean chance, with the opportunity ending with a French corner.

In the 20th minute, a costly French mistake would set up Spain with a golden opportunity.

While trying to clear the ball from the box, French defenseman Lucas Digne would foul Lamine Yamal for a penalty kick.

Mikel Oyarzabal would step to the spot for Spain, looking to seize the golden opportunity.

Although French goalkeeper Mike Maignan guessed correctly, Oyarzabal would slot the strike perfectly into the net.

And Spain looked like they would double their advantage following a chance in the 38th.

A quick sequence would see Yamal cross the ball right across the face of goal to Fabián Ruiz.

But Ruiz would but the ball just wide, squandering the opportunity.

Spain would take their one goal advantage into the half, with just 45 minutes separating them from their second World Cup Final ever.

Second half

Coming into the 58th minute, Spain’s Pedro Porro slotted a “1-2” pass to Dani Olmo.

Olmo would immediately find Porro on a run, where the defenseman would bury home a one-on-one chance with Maignan.

And just minutes later, it seemed Yamal had buried France with a third for Spain.

But the offsides flag would nullify the goal and keep France alive.

But France and Mbappé looked to claw once back in the 67th minute.

Mbappé’s strike, however, would be deflected wide.

In the 81st minute, chaotic scenes would see Spanish goalkeeper Unai Simón come well off his line, creating a perfect opportunity for France.

But Simón would scramble back and make a fantastic stop, denying France once again.

And in the 88th, a Spanish foul would come inches from giving France their own penalty kick.

Mbappé would take the free kick but skied his chance well over the bar.

And at full-time, Spain would see their 2-0 victory home, advancing to just their second World Cup Final ever.

Spain is set to take on either Argentina or England at 3 p.m. on Sunday.

Follow Adrian Murillo Silva on Instagram @adrianms_official

About the Author Published Jul 14, 2026

ADRIAN MURILLO SILVA

Adrian Murillo Silva covers both MLB and soccer news for Ball Exclusives. He has previously worked with other news publications such as The Lantern, the independent student voice of Ohio State.