FIFA World Cup 2026

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A special team beats brilliant individuals - how silky Spain flattened France​


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Spain into World Cup final after dominant victory over France

Neil Johnston
BBC Sport journalist at Dallas Stadium
15 July 2026, 01:28 BST

Spain produced an absolute masterclass in control to secure their place in just their second World Cup final - leaving the rest of the world stunned at how France were blown away.

Les Bleus went into Tuesday's eagerly anticipated semi-final as overwhelming favourites having cruised through the tournament, with the likes of Kylian Mbappe, Ousmane Dembele and Michael Olise making them an attacking force to be feared.

But while many were questioning how France could be beaten, Spain reminded everyone why they are European champions and unbeaten in a record-equalling 37 matches by running out 2-0 winners.

Luis de la Fuente's men have rather flown under the radar at this World Cup - even failing to beat debutants Cape Verde in their opening match - and teenage superstar Lamine Yamal has scored just one goal.

But they appear to have hit peak form at the right time and, having kept a clean sheet in six of their seven games, can expect to be favourites for Sunday's World Cup final, where they will face either Argentina or England.

France, meanwhile, must prepare for the third-place play-off after being frustrated by a midfield masterclass and managing just three attempts on target.

"Spain scalped France - they flattened France," said former Premier League champion Chris Sutton, who was at the game for BBC Radio 5 Live.

"We have given France so much praise in this tournament, but they were swatted aside by silky Spain. In the main, Spain have outfought and outplayed this French team."
 
Musings said:
I hope England turn up and the referee doesnt bend over backwards to accommodate Argentina because we all know Egypt were robbed
Click to expand...

Its understandable that FIFA would support a pro-zionist Argentina over Egypt.

But against England its different. Now i think it would be neutral.
 

Spain's incredible numbers​

  • Spain have equalled Italy's record for the longest unbeaten run in international football - 37 matches.
  • The five European players with the most appearances at the World Cup/European Championship combined without ever losing all play for Spain - Aymeric Laporte (22), Oyarzabal (20), Fabian Ruiz (16), Mikel Merino (14) and Yamal (14).
  • Lamine Yamal has never lost a game for Spain. He has also started 12 games at the World Cup and Euros combined, ending on the winning side in all - the best 100% win rate of any European player across the two competitions when starting.
  • Spain are the first team in World Cup history to keep six clean sheets at a single edition.
  • The xG figure they faced against France (0.3) was the lowest by a nation in a semi-final tie in the competition since Brazil against Sweden in 1994

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Lamine Yamal nutmegs Lucas Digne
 

'The World Cup winners played today'​

Asked if he would rather face England or Argentina in Sunday's final, De La Fuente said: "I don't have a preference. I really like England. I said before the World Cup they were one of the favourites."

Balague added: "It is going to be the same script. We are going to have a lot of the ball. If it is Argentina, they are suspect defensively, you can break them on counters and open them up.

"Spain have so many layers that they can do that too. I think the winner of the World Cup played today.

"Having raised the bar, Spain are finishing games, they are creating chances.

"England have taken another route since the Euros. You have started a new project and I cannot see the idea very clearly. Spain have continued with the same idea."
 

We shouldn't confuse politics and football - Scaloni​

Lionel Scaloni talks to the media before Argentina's World Cup semi-final against England


Lionel Scaloni led Argentina to their third World Cup triumph in 2022

Paul Battison
BBC Sport Journalist

Argentina manager Lionel Scaloni said he was "not going to mix" football and politics as he looked ahead to his side's World Cup semi-final against England in Atlanta on Wednesday.

The two nations will resume one of international football's most storied rivalries at the Atlanta Stadium, as England bid to defeat the defending champions and reach their first World Cup final since 1966.

Their rivalry on the pitch has been intensified by political disputes off it, with Britain and Argentina fighting the Falklands War in 1982 - a 74-day conflict that resulted in the deaths of 649 Argentine soldiers, 255 British combatants and three civilians.

The British overseas territory, known in Argentina as Las Malvinas, remains the subject of a sovereignty dispute between the two countries.

"The reality is that this is a football match. I can't mix things up, especially out of respect for what happened so many years ago," said Scaloni.
 
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