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Spain make World Cup final after dominant 2-0 win over France — as it happened

It was a clinical display from La Roja, who have booked a World Cup final against either England or Argentina.
2026 World Cup - France vs. Spain
Spain are through the World Cup final for just the second time in history. Source: Getty / Tom Weller

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Source: SBS News


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Watch: France v Spain semi-final highlights

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Watch Spain's penalty

Spain pulled ahead just before the first drinks break, after winning a penalty when Lucas Digne kicked Lamine Yamal while trying to clear a ball in the box.

Oyarzabal converted with a shot into the right side, with France now having to chase a lead for the first time in this World Cup.

— Samantha Jonscher

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Watch Spain's second goal

Pedro Porro doubled Spain's lead as they took full control against France.

— Samantha Jonscher

Porro doubles the lead

It came from Pedro Porro after Spain worked it around the box, with a one-two with Olmo before Podro picked it up on the right side of the box.

He had a one-on-one with Maignan, putting it to the right of the keeper. The last time France were down two goals was the 2022 World Cup final against Argentina.

— Miles Proust

58' - Goal Spain!

Spain score! They lead 2-0.

France sub

France make a change, with Barcola coming off for Doue.

— Miles Proust

55'

Barcola carries into the left side of the box but Simon pounces on it before he can pull a shot away.

— Miles Proust

52'

Oyarzabal tries from range, but he blasts it over the woodwork.

— Miles Proust

50'

Chance for Spain after Lacroix draws a foul against Oyarzabal.

Porro delivers the free, which is picked up by Yamal, who carries it to the near post before his shot is blocked.

But the offside flag is up.

— Miles Proust

France lucky to avoid ref's ire?

Michael Olisé‘s tackle on Rodri went unpunished from the referee, should the referee have taken another look?

— Samantha Jonscher

Second half underway

And we're back underway at Dallas Stadium, with France kicking off.

— Miles Proust

Half-time stats

Spain have been the better side so far, enjoying 53 per cent possession to France's 40 per cent.

Spain have had five shots on goal compared to France's two.

The team that have been so dominant in this tournament is missing in action, with France struggling to find space and get shots away.

Only two teams in World Cup history have ever gone on to win a semi-final after trailing at half-time — Argentina in 1990 and Croatia in 2018.

— Miles Proust

Spanish celebrations in Bondi

Here was the reaction at Beach Road Hotel in Bondi after Spain's first goal.

— Miles Proust

France on the back foot

Spain is dominating heading into the second half, managing to convert a penalty into a goal.

It's Spain who've controlled much of the first half, enjoying 53 per cent possession, while France have had 40 per cent as they look to stay in the contest.

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Source: SBS

— Samantha Jonscher

Half-time

And the half-time whistle blows, with Spain leading 1-0 after Mikel Oyarzabal's penalty.

— Miles Proust

45 + 2'

A great cross from Koundé from the right edge of the six-yard box whips straight across the face of the goal. Mbappé is there but can't get to it.

— Miles Proust

45'

Rabiot fouls Ruiz, but the referee doesn't book him. He has to be careful after already picking up a yellow.

Six minutes of stoppage time in this first half.

— Miles Proust

42'

The ball breaks for Mpabbe, who runs up the left flank, but Simon has read it well, running out of the box to block-tackle the French striker. He timed that perfectly.

France win a corner, which Simon tries to grab but hits the head of his own player Oyarzabal.

— Miles Proust

38'

A poor clearance from Maignan gifts Spain the ball, who play it into the box with some clever passing.

Baena tries to tap the cross in but it goes just wide, deflecting off a French defender and out for a corner.

— Miles Proust

Huge turn out in Bondi

The Beach Road Hotel in Bondi has opted to separate supporters.

IMG_6017.jpeg
Source: SBS

Upstairs, Spain fans are watching intently as their team sits in the lead.

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Source: SBS

— Samantha Jonscher

34'

France looks a bit shaken out there, after conceding a goal and losing a player to injury.

Baena receives a long goal kick and tries to flick it in but the offside flag is up.

— Miles Proust

31'

Cucurella picks up a yellow for a shove on Olise right on the sideline.

— Miles Proust

27'

Play resumes, and France are immediately out looking for an equaliser.

But Saliba sits down, shaking his head. There's no-one near him and it's unclear what he's injured, but he points to his back.

He walks off the pitch and Lacroix replaces him.

— Miles Proust

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