EAST RUTHERFORD, New Jersey, July 14 (Reuters) — Spain defeated France 3-1 in the 2026 FIFA World Cup semifinal on Tuesday night, ending Kylian Mbappé’s dream of a second consecutive title. The match, broadcast by Telemundo, turned on a single sequence of play in the 38th minute.
Spain’s goal came after 23 passes. No French player touched the ball. The move, analyzed frame-by-frame by El País, showcased the team’s core virtues: relentless movement, precise passing, and tactical discipline.
Midfielder Pedri started the move near the center circle. He passed to Gavi. Gavi to Dani Olmo. Olmo to Lamine Yamal. Eight seconds and six passes later, the ball reached Nico Williams on the left wing. Williams crossed. Álvaro Morata headed home.
“That was the moment,” said Spain coach Luis de la Fuente. “We don’t rely on one player. We rely on everyone.”
Goalkeeper Unai Simón recorded his fifth clean sheet of the tournament. According to AP News, Simón made four saves against France, including a point-blank stop from Mbappé in the 67th minute. His save percentage for the tournament now stands at 87.5 percent.
France’s collapse was swift. Mbappé, who scored in the 2018 final and the 2022 final, was visibly frustrated. He had three shots on target. None found the net. France’s midfield, overrun by Spain’s pressing, failed to create clear chances in the second half.
“We had no answer,” said France coach Didier Deschamps. “Spain were better in every department.”
Spain will face Argentina in the final on Sunday. Argentina defeated Brazil 2-1 in the other semifinal.
Since the group stage, Spain has not conceded a goal from open play. Their only goal against came from a penalty against Germany.
Can anyone stop La Roja now?
💡 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- Q: How did Spain score their goal against France in the 2026 World Cup semifinal?
- A: Spain scored after a 23-pass move in the 38th minute, with no French player touching the ball. Pedri started the sequence, and Álvaro Morata headed home a cross from Nico Williams.
- Q: Why was Kylian Mbappé unable to score in the semifinal?
- A: Mbappé had three shots on target but was denied by Spain goalkeeper Unai Simón, who made four saves including a point-blank stop in the 67th minute. Simón’s tournament save percentage reached 87.5%.
Extended Reading
For further analysis, refer to Telemundo’s match coverage , El País’s frame-by-frame breakdown , and AP News’s report on Unai Simón’s performance .