Spain 2-0 France: Five key takeaways from FIFA World Cup 2026 semi-final clash

Mikel Oyarzabal has now scored five goals in the FIFA World Cup.

Spain have defeated two-time champions France 2-0 to secure a berth in the summit clash of the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Mikel Oyarzabal broke the deadlock in the 22nd minute after converting a shot from the penalty spot. Lamine Yamal won the penalty for La Roja after Lucas Digne kicked him while trying to control the ball.

In the second half, Pedro Porro scored his second international goal to double the 2010 champions’ lead against France. Porro scored in the 58th minute, courtesy of an assist from Barcelona midfielder Dani Olmo.

Unai Simon has created a new World Cup record by keeping six clean sheets, while Mikel Oyarzabal has become one of three Spanish players to score five goals in a single World Cup campaign. Despite the defeat, France’s efforts in the 2026 FIFA World Cup will remain fresh in the hearts of football fans forever.

On that note, let’s take a look at the five key takeaways from the FIFA World Cup 2026 clash:

5. Lack of creativity in the midfield

France missed creatively in the midfield. Didier Deschamps’ side was undoubtedly strong in attack and defence; however, they lacked certain creativity in the midfield. Most of the work in the creative department was being done by the wingers Bradley Barcola, Ousmane Dembele, or Disire Doue.

Michael Olise provided tactical versatility but was not as effective against a top European side such as Spain. Maybe Les Bleus needed someone like Paul Pogba, who could add physical power and long-range shooting to the side alongside a creative flair.

4. Kylian Mbappé has not won a single-elimination match against Lamine Yamal

For club and country, the two players have faced each other six times on the football pitch, and every time, Lamine Yamal has been on the winning side. The 19-year-old first faced France in the semifinals of the 2024 Euros, where La Roja won 2-1.

Later, Barcelona defeated Real Madrid in the Supercopa and Copa del Rey finals in 2025. Last year, Spain stunned Les Bleus in the Nations League semifinals before La Blaugrana defeated Los Blancos in the 2026 Supercopa final. And now, the streak has continued in the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

3. Pau Cubarsi’s name should be taken in the same conversation as Lamine Yamal’s.

Lamine Yamal is important to the Spanish line-up; however, Pau Cubarsi’s importance can never be overlooked. The 19-year-old played mature football and fit in as both an orthodox and a modern centre-back.

Against France, he made six defensive contributions and was not dispossessed even once. He made two recoveries, three clearances, and had one last-man tackle. Most importantly, teaming up with Aymeric Laporte, who never got an opportunity to make his debut for the two-time champions, made one of the scariest attacks of the whole tournament look helpless.

2. France’s last comeback win came against Australia

The last time Les Bleus came from behind to win a game in the FIFA World Cup was in 2022. They defeated Australia in the group stage to secure the triumph. Since then, they have never managed to repeat the same, including the 2022 final against Argentina.

France is a tactically strong team; however, their tactics come under scrutiny when they trail. In the first 20 minutes, Ousmane Dembele and Michael Olise made decent runs into the final third, which were intercepted by La Roja defenders.

Nevertheless, their defence began to dip after they conceded goals. Additionally, Les Bleus have never won a game in the World Cup after trailing at half-time

1. Spain’s equals Italy’s unbeaten streak

Spain is currently on a 37-match unbeaten streak across all competitions, and they are showing no signs of slowing down. They have been tactically and defensively strong, and against France, they showed that they can score from tight situations. La Roja’s last defeat came in March 2023, when they suffered a narrow 1-0 loss to Colombia in a friendly.

They have equalled Italy’s all-time streak of 37 consecutive matches without a loss, set between 2018 and 2021. If Spain wins the final, they will set a new record and win their second FIFA World Cup title.

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