Kylian Mbappe looking disappointed. /Photo=AFPBBNews=NEWS1

*This content was translated by AI.

Spain defeated France 2-0 in the 2026 FIFA North American World Cup semifinal held at Dallas Stadium in the United States on the 15th (Korea time).

With this victory, Spain has advanced to the final for the first time since winning their only title at the 2010 South Africa World Cup. Having claimed the European championship at Euro 2024, Spain continues its upward momentum and now aims for the World Cup title.

Meanwhile, France missed out on a third overall title and a chance to reach three consecutive finals. France won their second-ever title at the 2018 Russia World Cup and reached the final again at the 2022 Qatar World Cup. However, they were defeated by Argentina led by Lionel Messi at that time, settling for runner-up status. In this tournament, their dream of the championship was shattered in the semifinals.

Spain, coached by Luis de la Fuente, deployed a 4-2-3-1 formation. Mikel Oyarzabal (Real Sociedad) started as the lone striker, supported in the second line by Lamine Yamal, Dani Olmo (both Barcelona), and Alex Baena (Atletico Madrid).

France, under coach Didier Deschamps, also lined up in a 4-2-3-1 formation. Mbappe started as the lone striker, with Bradley Barcola and Ousmane Dembele (both Paris Saint-Germain) covering the flanks. Michael Olise (Bayern Munich) was positioned centrally in the second line.

Mikel Oyarzabal's penalty kick. /Photo=AFPBBNews=NEWS1

France attempted to counterattack but were held back by Spain's composed defense, failing to create many clear chances. The destructive power of Mbappe, Olise, and Dembele, who had shown formidable form in previous matches, did not come alive.

To make matters worse, France center-back William Saliba (Arsenal) was forced off the field due to injury. Maxence Lacroix (Crystal Palace) came on as a substitute.

France team. /Photo=AFPBBNews=NEWS1

However, it was Spain that scored the additional goal. In the 13th minute of the second half, a brilliant one-touch pass from Olmo completely collapsed the French defense. Pedro Porro (Tottenham), who penetrated the space behind the defense, found himself in a one-on-one opportunity against the goalkeeper and calmly finished to score the second goal.

Spain's Yamal struck the back of the net again in the 16th minute of the second half, but an offside was called, so the goal was not recognized.

Pedro Porro's goal celebration. /Photo=AFPBBNews=NEWS1

In the end, France lost 0-2 without scoring a single goal. Meanwhile, Spain displayed nearly perfect performance on both offense and defense, securing their place in the World Cup final for the first time in 16 years.

Kylian Mbappe looking disappointed. /Photo=AFPBBNews=NEWS1

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*This content was translated by AI.