Spain are one win away from a second World Cup title. A single moment of composure from Mikel Oyarzabal settled a tense semifinal in Arlington on Tuesday, as La Roja beat France 1-0 at AT&T Stadium to book their place in Sunday’s final at MetLife Stadium.
A Penalty Born of Yamal’s Menace
The decisive moment arrived in the 22nd minute, and it came from the source France had feared all week. Lamine Yamal, the teenager who has tormented defences throughout this tournament, drew a foul inside the box that left the referee with little choice. Oyarzabal strolled up to the spot and smashed his effort into the corner. The French goalkeeper guessed the right way but could not get close, and Spain had the only goal the night would need. It was Oyarzabal’s fifth goal of the tournament, further burnishing his reputation as Spain’s man for the biggest occasions.
The concession marked the first time France had trailed at this World Cup, a remarkable statistic given they had navigated six matches on their record-breaking run to the semifinals. Once behind, Didier Deschamps’ side pushed for a response, but Spain’s defence, the meanest at the tournament, held its shape and its nerve through a bruising second half.
First Final Since 2010
For Spain, the victory carries historical weight. This is their first World Cup final appearance since 2010, when Andres Iniesta’s extra-time strike in Johannesburg delivered the country’s only world title. Sixteen years later, a new generation built around Yamal, Pedri and Oyarzabal has the chance to complete the set of a golden era that already includes European Championship success.
The match itself unfolded much as the pre-match storylines suggested, a contest of fine margins between the tournament’s two form sides. Spain controlled possession for long stretches while France looked to Kylian Mbappe for moments of transition. On the night, the tournament’s leading scorer found himself starved of the service that had powered his record rampage through the earlier rounds.
The Final Awaits
Spain will now face the winner of Wednesday’s second semifinal between England and Argentina, a blockbuster showdown set for Atlanta. Whoever emerges, Sunday’s decider at MetLife Stadium promises a fitting finale to the first 48-team World Cup, with Spain’s unbeaten machine standing between their opponents and the trophy.
France, meanwhile, must regroup quickly for Saturday’s third-place match in Miami, a consolation assignment that will feel a world away from the final they believed was within reach. For Luis de la Fuente and Spain, though, the mission is now simple and singular. One more win, and a generation that has redefined Spanish football will have its crowning achievement in New Jersey.
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