Spain have booked their place in the World Cup final after a composed and clinical 2-0 victory over favourites France in their semi-final clash at Dallas Stadium.
Luis de la Fuente’s men delivered a disciplined performance to outclass a France side widely tipped to progress, controlling proceedings and limiting their opponents to few clear chances.
Spain took the lead midway through the first half through Mikel Oyarzabal, who converted from the penalty spot after France defender Lucas Digne clumsily brought down Lamine Yamal while attempting to clear the ball.
Oyarzabal made no mistake from 12 yards, firing confidently into the corner to hand Spain the advantage.
With the lead secured, Spain tightened their grip on the game, dictating the tempo and frustrating France’s attacking threats.
France, who had struggled to find rhythm in the first half, were expected to mount a response after the break, but it was Spain who struck again.
Pedro Porro doubled the lead after combining neatly with Dani Olmo in a well-worked one-two before slotting home at the near post to leave France with a mountain to climb.
Despite having over 30 minutes to respond, Didier Deschamps’ side were unable to break down Spain’s resolute defence, which has conceded just once throughout the tournament.
Spain remained composed and organised until the final whistle, comfortably seeing out the game to secure their spot in Sunday’s final.
The defeat ends France’s hopes of reaching a third consecutive World Cup final and marks the closing chapter of an era, with Deschamps set to step down after 14 years in charge.
Spain will now travel to New Jersey for the final, where they will face the winners of the second semi-final between England and Argentina as they aim to lift the World Cup for the second time in their history.