France and Spain clash in the World Cup semi-finals
Hosts discuss today’s highly anticipated FIFA World Cup semi-final clash between France and Spain in Dallas. Sports and entertainment reporter Mike Gunzelman analyzes the intense matchup, noting Spain’s strong defense against Kylian Mbappé. He also reflects on the huge success of the tournament and growing soccer fandom in the United States.
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For just the second time in their country’s history, Spain are into the World Cup final thanks to a world-class display in their 2-0 semi-final win over France on Tuesday.
France were looking to get back to the World Cup finals for the third tournament in a row, but Kylian Mbappé and company were unable to get through a complete all-frontal effort by Spain.
As they have done throughout this tournament, Spain showed their determination from the first whistle and France felt it. However, France have been dominant in their own right up until this point in the tournament and their superstars have shown an ability to take over the game.
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Pedro Porro of Spain celebrates after scoring his team’s second goal during the FIFA World Cup 2026 semifinal match between France and Spain at Dallas Stadium in Arlington, Texas on July 14, 2026. (David Ramos/Getty Images)
But for the first time at the World Cup, France found themselves behind after a costly mistake by veteran defender Lucas Digne.
After a Spanish cross went through France’s box, Digne couldn’t read it properly and his header bounced the ball into the air. Digne went to clear it with his foot, but Spanish phenomenon Lamine Yamal came flying in to try and get in the way of the kick.
NORWAY JUST THROWN THE BIGGEST PARTY EVER FOR A TEAM WHO WAS ELIMINATED IN THE WORLD CUP QUARTERFINALS
Instead, Digne kicked Yamal, and when he was in France’s box, the referee sprinted to the center and pointed to the circle for a penalty.
It was Mikel Oyarzabal who rose to the penalty spot, and with four World Cup goals he got the fifth. France goalkeeper Mike Maignan guessed the right way and dived to his left, but Oyarzabal’s shot was too perfect and smashed into the side netting.
Then in the 22nd minute Spain struck first and had France in a situation they haven’t been in for a long time. France were able to find some momentum and create chances, but Spain goalkeeper Unai Símon was not threatened too much in the end.
Kylian Mbappe of France reacts during the FIFA World Cup 2026 semifinal match between France and Spain at Dallas Stadium in Arlington, Texas on July 14, 2026. (Chris Brunskill/Fantasista)
As the second half began, France showed some hustle from the jump, but Spain thwarted every attempt. Then Pedro Porro’s run for Spain in the 58th minute changed everything.
Desire Doue, who had just come on as a substitute for France, did not follow Porro after he made a pass to Dani Almo. Almo was quick to pass it to his team-mate who only had Maignan to beat and he did just that for only his second career goal for his country.
With a 2-0 lead, it became more desperate for France in the second half. But once again Spain dug deep and got clearances and clean tackles as the clock ticked down.
Mbappé was awarded a free-kick just before stoppage time kicked in, but his effort cleared the crossbar on a grade-A chance.
Mikel Oyarzabal of Spain celebrates after converting a penalty kick to score his team’s first goal during the FIFA World Cup 2026 semi-final match between France and Spain at Dallas Stadium in Arlington, Texas. (Lars Baron/Getty Images)
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The result? A historic sixth shutout for Spain in a single World Cup tournament, and even better, a place in the World Cup final. Meanwhile, it has been over 40 years since France lost a World Cup knockout stage match.
Spain, the 2010 World Cup winners, now await the winner of Wednesday’s semi-final between England and Argentina in Atlanta.
