Kylian Mbappé cut a frustrated figure as France were beaten 2–0 by Spain in a high-intensity FIFA World Cup semifinal at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas, bringing an end to Les Bleus’ bid to reach a third consecutive final.
Spain, under head coach Luis de la Fuente, delivered a composed and tactically disciplined performance, striking once in each half to secure their place in the final, where they will face either England or Argentina on July 19 at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey.
La Roja took the lead in the first half when Mikel Oyarzabal calmly converted a penalty after Lamine Yamal was brought down in the box. France’s evening became more complicated when defender William Saliba was forced off with a back injury in the 30th minute, prompting Didier Deschamps to introduce Maxence Lacroix earlier than planned.
Spain dominated possession and controlled the tempo, effectively neutralizing France’s attacking threats, including Mbappé, Ousmane Dembélé, and Michael Olise, to take a deserved 1–0 lead into halftime.
History was not on France’s side after the break—only two teams had previously overturned a halftime deficit in a World Cup semifinal. Deschamps responded with tactical changes, introducing Manu Koné for Adrien Rabiot at halftime and later Désiré Doué for Bradley Barcola in an attempt to inject energy into the attack.
However, Spain’s high pressing and defensive organization continued to stifle France, while goalkeeper Unai Simón produced key saves to preserve his side’s advantage.
Spain doubled their lead early in the second half when Pedro Porro finished off a well-worked team move, breaking free of his marker before slotting past Mike Maignan to make it 2–0 and effectively put the game beyond reach.
“We gave everything to reach the final,” Porro said after the match. “We knew we’re a very strong team and we’re doing things the right way. This is about the team, not individuals.”
The defeat ends France’s campaign and Mbappé’s pursuit of the Golden Boot, where he remains tied with Lionel Messi on eight goals. Harry Kane, with six goals, and Messi both still have the opportunity to add to their tallies in the other semifinal.
Mbappé’s frustration was evident late in the match. In the 86th minute, he collided with Simón as the goalkeeper bent to collect the ball, an incident that resulted in a yellow card for the Real Madrid forward.
For Spain, the victory marks a statement performance and a return to the World Cup final, underlining their resurgence as a dominant force in international football.
