![Spain's Lamine Yamal (No. 19) falls in pain after colliding with French defender Lucas Digne during the 2026 North and Central America World Cup semifinal between Spain and France on Wednesday. Spain were awarded a penalty kick on the play. [Reuters]](https://wimg.heraldcorp.com/news/cms/2026/07/15/rcv.YNA.20260715.PRU20260715102501009_P1.jpg)
Spain defeated France 2-0 to advance to the final of the 2026 North and Central America World Cup.
Spain beat France 2-0 on Wednesday at AT&T Stadium in Dallas, with Mikel Oyarzabal converting a penalty for the opener and Pedro Porro adding a second goal.
Spain returned to the semifinals for the first time in 16 years since winning their first title at the 2010 South Africa World Cup, and carried that momentum all the way to the final. France, meanwhile, were denied a third consecutive trip to the final.
Spain will face the winner of the England-Argentina semifinal in the final at MetLife Stadium on Monday.
With both sides pressing intensely, a penalty was awarded in the 20th minute after France defender Lucas Digne collided with Lamine Yamal, who was charging in to meet a cross from Marc Cucurella. Oyarzabal stepped up and drove the ball hard toward the upper right corner, beating goalkeeper Mike Maignan, who had dived the right way.
France's troubles deepened in the 30th minute when key defender William Saliba was forced off early with a back injury, replaced by Maxence Lacroix. Stifled by Spain's resolute defense, France managed just two shots in the first half, none on target.
Spain doubled their lead 13 minutes into the second half, when Porro combined in a one-two with Dani Olmo to slice through the defense and finish calmly with his right foot.
Spain nearly extended their lead moments later when Yamal found the net again, but the goal was ruled out for offside, sparing France a three-goal defeat.
yjc@heraldcorp.com
