DALLAS, July 14 (Reuters) – Spain defeated France 2-0 in the 2026 World Cup semifinal, ending Les Bleus‘ bid for a third consecutive final. A first-half penalty broke the deadlock. Lamine Yamal, 19, was the architect.
The match at AT&T Stadium, watched by 80,000, was a tactical battle until the 32nd minute. A foul by Dayot Upamecano on Nico Williams inside the box was deemed a penalty by referee Wilton Sampaio. Pedri converted, sending Mike Maignan the wrong way. The goal shifted momentum entirely.
Spain controlled possession after the goal, suffocating France’s midfield. Kylian Mbappe, starved of service, touched the ball only 12 times in the first half. France’s response was disjointed. They failed to register a shot on target before the break.
Lamine Yamal doubled Spain’s lead in the 67th minute. A swift counter-attack, orchestrated by Williams, saw Yamal cut inside and curl a left-footed shot past Maignan. The goal was a masterclass in precision. France’s defense was caught in transition, a recurring weakness exposed by Spain’s young wingers.
France’s starting lineup, as reported by L’Equipe, featured a 4-3-3 formation. Didier Deschamps opted for Antoine Griezmann in a deeper role. The choice backfired. Griezmann struggled to influence the game. Spain’s 4-3-3, with Rodri and Fabian Ruiz controlling the midfield, rendered France’s press ineffective.
Mbappe’s performance was a shadow of his 2018 and 2022 heroics. He was isolated on the left, often double-marked. His only chance came in the 79th minute, a weak header saved by Unai Simon. Spain’s defensive discipline, led by Aymeric Laporte, was flawless.
The atmosphere in Dallas was electric. TF1’s live coverage captured the tension. French fans fell silent after the penalty. Spanish supporters, numbering 25,000, roared. The “Roja” chants echoed through the stadium.
Video analysis from Le Figaro highlighted the penalty incident. Upamecano’s tackle was reckless. Williams, anticipating the contact, drew the foul. The referee’s decision was clear. Spain’s execution was clinical.
This defeat raises questions about France’s aging core. Griezmann, 35, and Olivier Giroud, 39, may not continue to 2030. Deschamps’ tactical rigidity has been criticized. Spain, conversely, represents a new generation. Yamal, Pedri, and Williams are under 22. Their rise signals a shift in international football’s power balance.
Spain will face Argentina in the final. France returns home. The dream of a third straight final is over. The rebuilding starts now.
💡 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- Q: How did Spain beat France in the 2026 World Cup semifinal?
- A: Spain won 2-0 with a first-half penalty by Pedri and a second-half goal from Lamine Yamal. Spain controlled possession and stifled France’s midfield, limiting Kylian Mbappe’s influence.
- Q: Why did France lose to Spain in the semifinal?
- A: France’s midfield was ineffective, with Antoine Griezmann struggling in a deeper role. Kylian Mbappe was isolated and double-marked, touching the ball only 12 times in the first half. Spain’s counter-attacks exposed defensive transitions.
- Q: What was the key moment in the match?
- A: The turning point was Dayot Upamecano’s foul on Nico Williams in the 32nd minute, leading to a penalty converted by Pedri. Lamine Yamal’s 67th-minute goal then sealed Spain’s victory.
Extended Reading
For comprehensive live coverage and post-match analysis, refer to TF1 Info and L’Equipe . The penalty incident was detailed by Le Figaro . These sources provided the factual basis for this report.