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Spain Defeats France 2-0, Extends 37-Game Unbeaten Run

7/15/2026

Summary

Spain Advances

Spain beat France 2-0 in the semifinal in Arlington, Texas on July 14, 2026.
Mikel Oyarzabal converted a 22nd-minute penalty after Lucas Digne fouled Lamine Yamal.
Pedro Porro scored a second goal in 58th minute after a one-two with Dani Olmo.
The win extends Spain’s unbeaten run to 37 matches, its sixth clean sheet.
France’s loss ends its six-win World Cup streak and sends the team to the third-place match.

Summary

Deschamps Steps Down

Didier Deschamps confirmed he will step down as France’s head coach after the tournament, making the Arlington semifinal his penultimate appearance.
In the post-match interview Deschamps said France were technically below their usual level and took responsibility for the loss.
He described the players as devastated after the defeat.
The loss sends France to the third-place match in Miami Gardens, Florida, where they will face the loser of England-Argentina semifinal.

History

Historical Context

On 9 July 2006 the Olympiastadion in Berlin hosted Italy’s 1-1 draw with France, which Italy won 5-3 on penalties before 69,000 fans. The match followed Italy’s Calciopoli scandal and France’s post-Euro 2000 rebuilding under Raymond Domenech. The victory gave Italy its fourth World Cup and a rise to the top of the FIFA rankings.

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Spain Advances

Spain beat France 2-0 in the semifinal in Arlington, Texas on July 14, 2026.
Mikel Oyarzabal converted a 22nd-minute penalty after Lucas Digne fouled Lamine Yamal.
Pedro Porro scored a second goal in 58th minute after a one-two with Dani Olmo.
The win extends Spain’s unbeaten run to 37 matches, its sixth clean sheet.
France’s loss ends its six-win World Cup streak and sends the team to the third-place match.

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