Dallas: Spain Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez congratulated the national football team after La Roja defeated France 2-0 in the FIFA World Cup 2026 semi-final to secure a place in the title clash. Sanchez praised the players for their impressive performance and celebrated Spain’s journey to another World Cup final appearance.

Taking to social media platform X after the victory, Sanchez expressed his excitement over Spain’s achievement and congratulated the team for making the nation dream of another major football triumph.

“SPECTACULAR TO THE FINAL! Once again, @SEFutbol makes us dream. Come on, Spain!” Sanchez wrote on X.

The message reflected the excitement across Spain after La Roja produced a disciplined and confident performance against one of the tournament favourites. The victory continued Spain’s remarkable run in international football and moved them one step closer to winning their second World Cup title.

Spain deliver complete performance against France

Spain entered the semi-final against France knowing they faced a side filled with attacking talent, including Kylian Mbappe, Michael Olise and Ousmane Dembele. However, Luis de la Fuente’s team displayed excellent tactical discipline to neutralise France’s strengths.

The match at the Dallas Stadium saw Spain combine defensive organisation with attacking efficiency. They controlled possession for long periods and prevented France from building consistent pressure.

Mikel Oyarzabal opened the scoring after Lamine Yamal won a penalty inside the box. The forward remained composed under pressure and converted the spot-kick past France goalkeeper Mike Maignan.

Spain doubled their advantage shortly afterwards when Pedro Porro produced a decisive finish. The defender combined effectively with Dani Olmo before finding the bottom corner to give Spain a crucial 2-0 lead.

Porro’s performance earned him the Player of the Match award, and his goal became one of the defining moments of Spain’s World Cup campaign.

Oyarzabal reaches another milestone for Spain

The semi-final victory also marked another important milestone for Oyarzabal. The forward’s penalty took his tally to 18 goals in his last 20 appearances for Spain, highlighting his importance to the national team.

The goal also helped him enter an exclusive group of Spanish players. Oyarzabal became only the sixth player to score 30 international goals for Spain, joining some of the country’s greatest attacking figures.

The list includes:

  • David Villa – 59 goals
  • Raul – 44 goals
  • Fernando Torres – 38 goals
  • Alvaro Morata – 37 goals
  • David Silva – 35 goals

His consistency has provided Spain with a reliable attacking option during their successful run in recent tournaments.

Spain continue historic World Cup journey

Spain’s qualification for the final marks their second appearance in the biggest match in international football. Their only previous World Cup final appearance came in 2010, when Andres Iniesta scored the winning goal against the Netherlands in South Africa.

The current generation now has the opportunity to create another historic chapter in Spanish football. The team’s success has been built on a combination of experienced players and emerging talents.

Young star Lamine Yamal has attracted worldwide attention throughout the tournament, while senior figures have provided stability during high-pressure moments.

Spain’s semi-final win also extended their unbeaten run to 37 matches across all competitions, matching Italy’s record for the longest unbeaten streak in men’s international football.

France left disappointed after semi-final exit

France entered the semi-final as one of the favourites to lift the trophy but struggled to break down Spain’s defensive structure.

Mbappe looked dangerous in the early stages, but Spain gradually reduced his influence by controlling space and limiting France’s attacking opportunities.

France attempted to change the momentum by introducing attacking players such as Desire Doue and Rayan Cherki. However, Spain remained organised, with goalkeeper Unai Simon making important saves and defender Marc Cucurella producing a crucial challenge to deny Mbappe.

The defeat ended France’s hopes of reaching another World Cup final. Les Bleus will now compete in the third-place playoff, where Mbappe will have another chance to add goals to his tournament tally in the Golden Boot race.

Spain await final opponents

Spain will now prepare for the FIFA World Cup 2026 final at the New York New Jersey Stadium on Sunday. They will face either England or Argentina, who meet in the second semi-final.

For Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez and millions of Spanish supporters, the victory over France has created another moment of national celebration. With one match remaining, La Roja are closer than ever to adding another World Cup trophy to their history.

The final will determine whether Spain can complete their remarkable campaign with ultimate success, but their journey has already established this team among the strongest international sides of the modern era.