Spain have issued a powerful statement of intent at the 2026 World Cup, brushing aside France’s much-vaunted attack to claim a comfortable 2-0 semi-final win in Dallas on Tuesday. Despite all pre-match predictions favouring Didier Deschamps’ side, La Roja advanced to the final with a performance that oozed control and composure, while France’s attacking trio of Kylian Mbappe, Michael Olise, and Ousmane Dembele failed to make an impact.

The French side’s night began to unravel just 20 minutes into the contest, and they never truly recovered. Spain, calm and clinical throughout, dictated the pace of the match from midfield and never looked in danger of surrendering their advantage.

It was Lucas Digne’s costly lapse that set Spain on their way. The French left-back completely lost track of Lamine Yamal while trying to clear a deep cross, only to catch the winger instead of the ball. The referee wasted no time in pointing to the spot, and Mikel Oyarzabal confidently converted the penalty, putting Spain ahead.

Despite their wealth of attacking options, Les Bleus failed to muster a meaningful response. Their lack of urgency was punished before the hour mark when Pedro Porro exchanged a neat one-two with Dani Olmo on the edge of the area, ghosted in unmarked, and rifled a low shot past Mike Maignan to double Spain’s lead.

France’s misery nearly deepened moments later when Yamal struck a spectacular effort beyond Maignan, only for the goal to be disallowed for offside. That reprieve did little to change their fortunes, as they struggled to create any clear chances and exited the tournament at the semi-final stage with barely a fight.

WINNER: Rodri

While much of the pre-match talk centred on France’s attacking firepower, it was Spain’s midfield general Rodri who dictated proceedings. The Manchester City star delivered a commanding performance, controlling the tempo and breaking up French attacks with trademark precision. He recorded 82 touches and won 11 of his 15 duels, underlining his immense influence. After injury setbacks following his 2024 Ballon d’Or win, this was a timely reminder of his world-class pedigree.

LOSER: The France attack

France’s forward line entered the match as one of the most feared on the planet, but their star names failed to rise to the occasion. Mbappe was a peripheral figure, cutting an increasingly frustrated presence as he received little service. Bradley Barcola was withdrawn early in the second half after a quiet display, while Dembele, the 2025 Ballon d’Or winner, offered little threat on the right. Even Olise, who had been in fine form throughout the tournament, was unable to impose himself and was substituted with 20 minutes remaining. For a unit of such quality, it was a disastrous showing on the grandest stage.

LOSER: Didier Deschamps

Although France still have the third-place play-off to contest, this defeat marks a bitter conclusion to Didier Deschamps’ illustrious tenure. Coming into the semi-final as favourites, his side were thoroughly outplayed in all areas. While his job may be secure, questions will be asked about how a team of such talent could perform so poorly with a third consecutive World Cup final within reach. It was a disappointing end to a golden era, and it now seems likely that Zinedine Zidane will be tasked with leading France into a new chapter.

WINNER: Pedro Porro

Pedro Porro’s transformation this tournament has been nothing short of remarkable. After enduring a relegation battle with Tottenham during the club season, he has emerged as one of Spain’s standout performers in North America. Preferred at right-back ahead of Marcos Llorente and the omitted Dani Carvajal, Porro capped another superb display with a striker’s finish for his second international goal—and his second of this World Cup. His attacking instincts and defensive discipline have made him indispensable to Spain’s campaign.

LOSER: William Saliba

Arsenal’s William Saliba had been battling a back issue in the lead-up to the semi-final, and despite France’s efforts to manage his fitness, the centre-back lasted only 30 minutes before being forced off. Having missed out on the 2022 World Cup final, this was a cruel blow in what should have been a career-defining moment. He was replaced by Crystal Palace’s Maxence Lacroix, and both Arsenal and Mikel Arteta will be hoping the injury is not serious.

LOSER: Lucas Digne

Digne’s match-up with the electric Lamine Yamal always looked unfavourable, and so it proved. The 32-year-old Aston Villa defender was outpaced and outmanoeuvred throughout, but his most costly error came when he misjudged Marc Cucurella’s cross and fouled Yamal in the box, conceding the penalty that Oyarzabal converted. It was a moment that set the tone for France’s miserable evening.

WINNER: Harry Kane

England’s captain Harry Kane will have taken note of Spain’s victory for another reason. With France’s elimination, several of his Ballon d’Or rivals—club teammate Olise, Dembele, and Mbappe—are now out of contention. Kane’s prolific season with Bayern Munich has already put him in the conversation alongside Lionel Messi, and a win for England against Argentina in their semi-final could strengthen his case to become the first Englishman since Michael Owen to claim the award.

LOSER: The atmosphere

For such a high-profile semi-final, expectations of a vibrant atmosphere at the Dallas Stadium were high. However, the reality fell far short. The stadium often fell eerily quiet, with only sporadic bursts of noise from travelling supporters. The lack of energy highlighted the impact of exorbitant ticket prices and the distance European fans had to travel. Even with some empty seats visible, officials will likely insist the venue was full—but the subdued mood told a different story.