Spain advanced to the 2026 FIFA World Cup final, demolishing France 2:0 in the overnight semi-final in Dallas. This was the headline event on the 2026 World Cup match schedule (Kyiv time) last night: the match kicked off at 22:00 Kyiv time and ended in a convincing victory for La Roja. In the final on 19 July, Spain will face the winner of today's England – Argentina match.
Overnight results
Spain – France 2:0 (semi-final)
The match at AT&T Stadium in Dallas followed a Spanish script from the very first minutes. In the 22nd minute, Lucas Digne fouled Lamine Yamal inside the penalty area — the referee pointed to the spot. Mikel Oyarzabal converted the penalty and opened the scoring. As early as the 29th minute, France suffered another blow: centre-back William Saliba went down without any contact, clutching his lower back, and left the field — he was replaced by Maxence Lacroix of Crystal Palace. In the 58th minute, Pedro Porro finished a sharp one-two with Dani Olmo to make it 2:0. France ended the match with just three shots on target and an expected goals figure of 0.26 xG. Kylian Mbappé received a yellow card but could do nothing against the Spanish defence. Spain conceded only one goal in seven matches at this tournament — and none against France.
The man of the match was Pedro Porro, whose goal finally broke the resistance of Les Bleus. After the final whistle, the defender told FOX in a live interview: "This is a dream come true. I couldn't even have dreamed of this. I'm so happy about the team's attitude from start to finish."
This is Spain's first World Cup final appearance since 2010, when they claimed the only world title in their history.
Tournament schedule
Following this result, Spain became the first confirmed finalist of the 2026 World Cup. France are eliminated from the race for gold and will play the third-place match on Saturday, 18 July (at 00:00 Kyiv time), against the loser of today's semi-final. The second finalist will be determined by the England – Argentina match tonight. A more detailed 2026 World Cup match schedule (Kyiv time) covering both semi-finals is available on a separate page of the site.
Off the pitch
- Saliba injury. William Saliba left the field in the 29th minute with a back injury sustained without any contact from an opponent. According to Yahoo Sports, the Arsenal defender walked straight down the tunnel without stopping at the bench. The extent of the injury is currently unknown; medical examinations will determine whether he can play in the third-place match. The situation is concerning for Arsenal, who begin their Premier League title defence as early as 21 August.
- Deschamps ends his tenure as national team manager. After the defeat, Didier Deschamps confirmed that his 14-year spell as head coach of the French national team will come to an end after the third-place match. ESPN reports that Zinedine Zidane agreed in the spring to become his successor.
- Declan Rice — fit to play. Sky Sports News confirmed that Declan Rice is fit to start in tonight's semi-final against Argentina. The Arsenal and England midfielder missed the second half of the quarter-final against Norway due to illness but has recovered and is ready to play from the first minute.
- Final referee appointed. American referee Ismail Elfath has been appointed for the England – Argentina match in Atlanta tonight.
Today, 15 July, at 22:00 Kyiv time in Atlanta, the second 2026 World Cup semi-final kicks off: England – Argentina. The full preview will be published in the evening preview section at 18:45. The up-to-date 2026 World Cup match schedule (Kyiv time) is available on the site.
See also: Groups F and E: who leads after the first round and what is at stake tonight
Photo: NBC News · Editorial (source)
