Spain have knocked favourites France out of the 2026 World Cup with a 2-0 victory, as Milan’s Mike Maignan, Adrien Rabiot and Roma midfielder Manu Koné miss out on the Final.

The Spaniards go on to face either England or Argentina in the Final on July 19 in New Jersey, while France will fight for the bronze medal on July 18.

Les Bleus had won every game so far in the tournament, but made two changes from the side that beat Morocco in the quarter-final, as Bradley Barcola was preferred to Désiré Doué, but above all Roma’s Manu Koné dropped to the bench as Aurelien Tchaoumeni recovered from a muscular injury.

Spain conceded only one goal in six World Cup games, during the 2-1 victory over Belgium, and again picked ex-Napoli midfielder Fabian Ruiz rather than Pedri.

ARLINGTON, TEXAS – JULY 14: (EDITOR’S NOTE: Image was captured using a remote camera from behind the goal.) Mikel Oyarzabal #21 of Spain converts a penalty to score his team’s first goal past Mike Maignan #16 of France during the FIFA World Cup 2026 Semi Final match between France and Spain at Dallas Stadium on July 14, 2026 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Lars Baron/Getty Images)

Spain were awarded a penalty when Lucas Digne brought down Lamine Yamal, the defender who just agreed a move to PSG making a hash of a clearance. Mikel Oyarzabal stepped up to convert past Milan goalkeeper Mike Maignan.

The situation went from bad to worse for France, as moments later William Saliba went off with a back injury, then Fabian Ruiz prodded wide after a well-worked move set up by Yamal.

Unai Simon’s first real test was sprinting off his line to clear from Kylian Mbappé at the 42^nd minute, then Mbappé just failed to get on the end of a fizzing Jules Koundé cross.

ARLINGTON, TEXAS – JULY 14: Adrien Rabiot #14 of France argues with referee Ivan Barton during the FIFA World Cup 2026 Semi Final match between France and Spain at Dallas Stadium on July 14, 2026 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)

Milan midfielder Adrien Rabiot was already on a yellow card and risked a second, so was replaced by Roma’s Koné for the restart.

However, Spain passed their way through the French side to score the second with Pedro Porro blasting in at the near post after a give and go with Dani Olmo.

ARLINGTON, TEXAS – JULY 14: Manu Kone #6 of France competes for the ball against Mikel Merino #6 of Spain during the FIFA World Cup 2026 Semi Final match between France and Spain at Dallas Stadium on July 14, 2026 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by David Ramos/Getty Images)

Lamine Yamal had the ball in the net again moments later, but was flagged offside, while Mbappé saw his strike deflected inches wide by Marc Cucurella.

The best chance France had was when Unai Simon came rushing out to clear, but got back in time to stop Désiré Doué firing into the empty net.

France 0-2 Spain

Oyarzabal pen 23 (S), Porro 58 (S)