Spain are the first time into the World Cup 2026 final after defeating France 2-0 in an impressive and composed performance in Dallas.
Luis de la Fuente’s men came into the match as slight underdogs with plaudits reserved for France’s fierce front four but La Roja nullified their threat with midfield dominance on an evening that showed their class.
The European champions will have the chance to win back-to-back major tournaments having taken the lead in the semi-final. Lamine Yamal was brought down in the box by Lucas Digne and Mikel Oyarzabal continued his fine campaign by converting from the spot.
Things then got worse for Didier Deschamps’ men as William Saliba was subbed off due to injury in the first half before Pedro Porro finished off an exemplary move of one-touch passing to weave into the box and slot home past Mike Maignan.
At 2-0 up, Spain shut down the game with controlled passing and possession play and booked their place in the World Cup showpiece where they will face either England or Argentina.
Follow all the reaction from the World Cup semi-final with our live blog below:
France v Spain live
- REPORT: How an unlikely Spain source stunned France to clinch World Cup final berth
- Spain defeat France 2-0 in the World Cup 2026 semi-final
- La Roja will take on either England or Argentina in World Cup final on Sunday
- Mikel Oyarzabal and Pedro Porro inspire Spanish victory over French
How an unlikely Spain source stunned France to clinch World Cup final berth
22:35 , Richard Jolly at Dallas Stadium
So, in a state with a history of Spanish conquest, history could be repeating itself for Spain. As in Euro 2024, they beat France in a semi-final.
As in 2010, they could follow victory in the European Championships by doing the double, by adding a World Cup. Deep in the heart of Texas, Luis de la Fuente’s side took a sizeable step towards greatness.
Didier Deschamps had pronounced them as the favourites to win the World Cup. It turns out that was not just kidology.
How an unlikely Spain source stunned France to clinch World Cup final berth
What is it like to face Lionel Messi? Inside the mind of Argentina’s genius as England finally find out
06:00 , Mike Jones
As perhaps the greatest player of all time prepares for a first meeting with England, Miguel Delaney explains the mentality that makes him so good.
What is it like to face Lionel Messi? Inside the mind of Argentina’s genius
Harry Kane accuses media of trying to create division in England camp
05:00 , Kieran Jackson
Harry Kane believes the media is “trying to create division” in the England camp after the furore surrounding Thomas Tuchel and Jude Bellingham’s interviews with ITV after the win over Norway on Saturday.
After Bellingham’s brilliant double secured a 2-1 victory after extra time, Tuchel admitted his side was “lucky” to advance to the semi-finals and stated he was not happy with “everything” about the performance. When questioned about the “mentality”, Tuchel rallied against that notion, insisting his team showed “pure mentality.”
Harry Kane accuses media of trying to create division in England camp
From Tuchel’s outcast to England’s kingpin, how Jude Bellingham silenced his critics at the World Cup
04:00 , Lawrence Ostlere
Jude-fever. Bellingham-mania. No one has come up with a catchy name for it yet, but it’s happening. A London train stop called Bellingham station has been renamed “Jude Bellingham”.
West Midlands Railway is offering free train rides for anyone named Jude. “Hey Jude” is on the playlist after every England win with “Three Lions” and “Wonderwall”, the only player with his own ballad.
From outcast to kingpin, how Jude Bellingham silenced his critics at the World Cup
Fifa releases World Cup 2026 closing ceremony line-up including Robbie Williams and Tom Cruise
03:00 , James Hicken
Fifa have officially announced a star-studded cast for the closing ceremony of this instalment of the 2026 World Cup.
The closing ceremony, to be held before the final kicks off in New Jersey on 19 July, will celebrate a groundbreaking tournament that has seen a record number of 48 team participate across three host countries.
Fifa releases World Cup 2026 closing ceremony line-up including Robbie Williams
William Saliba suffers injury setback in huge World Cup blow for France
02:00 , Will Castle
France have suffered a major blow in their World Cup title bid after William Saliba was forced off with a suspected muscle problem.
The influential defender went down untouched on the ball and immediately looked dejected, with it quickly becoming apparent the Arsenal man would not be able to continue.
William Saliba suffers injury setback in huge World Cup blow for France
Did Lamine Yamal commit a handball as he won a penalty for Spain vs France?
01:00 , Jack Rathborn
Lamine Yamal earned a penalty for Spain against France in their World cup 2026 semi-final in Dallas.
It was dispatched by Mikel Oyarzabal to hand Luis De La Fuente’s side the lead, but controversy surrounded the decision by referee Ivan Barton.
Did Lamine Yamal commit a handball as he won a penalty for Spain vs France?
England up next
23:59 , James Hicken
The three lions will have been watching that game intently, scouting their potential final opposition. Their focus, however, will not slip from their next game against the reigning world champions Argentina.
Lionel Messi is in fantastic form and will undoubtedly cause major problems for England’s defence tomorrow, but Harry Kane, Jude Bellingham and company will have something to say about that.
Mbappe offers his thoughts on a painful loss
23:55 , James Hicken
“I think we didn’t play our game, neither technically or tactically. When you don’t do what you’re supposed to do in a World Cup semi final, you don’t win. Spain stayed true to their game plan.
“Right from the start, we were pressing 3 against 2. We messed up there. Against Spain, we need to press 1 for 1. And even when we recovered the ball. Our ball touches, and our movements were not worthy of a World Cup semifinal. We did not have what it takes to go to the World Cup final, to be honest.”
Lamine Yamal is Spain's lucky charm
23:50 , James Hicken
12 - Lamine Yamal has started 12 games at the FIFA World Cup and UEFA EUROs combined ending on the winning side in all 12 – the best 100%-win rate of any European player across the two competitions when starting.
— OptaJoe (@OptaJoe) July 14, 2026
Charm. https://t.co/TkuTANVLvw
The Golden Boot Race - update ahead of England vs Argentina
23:45 , James Hicken
Mbappe has missed out on the opportunity to nudge ahead of his elder rival, Messi, who will take on England tomorrow with the final and a chance at defending his World Cup title on the line. The Argentine has at least one more game to try and secure the golden boot and Mbappe will be stuck on eight.
Kane and Bellingham also still remain in the race with six goals a piece and if they can topple Argentina then all three of the goal scorers above them - Haaland, Messi and Mbappe - will have been eliminated from the tournament.
Former French top-scorer Olivier Giroud gives his honest verdict after France lose to the 'best team in the tournament'
23:40 , James Hicken
“I think we faced the best team in the tournament, we never played that standard. Our players have been fantastic so far but today they did not play at their level.
“Plus the fact that Spain have been really strong, one and the other and you lose the game. You have nothing to say, you could have regrets, you have to be p***ed off.
“Our best players didn’t play as usual. We did not create enough chances and Spain’s defence did really well.
“The early goal was key for them and the rest of the game.”
Cherki - 'France was missing everything today'
23:35 , James Hicken
The substitute midfielder was bemused by his teams inability to get anything going against the staunch Spanish defence, but remains confident in future World Cup success.
“In so many ways, France was missing everything today,” he said through an interpreter.
“We’ll be back in four years and we won’t make the same mistakes.
Spain's manager Luis de la Fuente 'proud' of his men.
23:29 , James Hicken
"It is difficult to describe how one feels, but I know it is something that resembles happiness. The pride I have for every single one of this group of players is great, but now we have to keep going. We still have one more step to go. We're going to try to achieve it.
"A lot of tension builds up, it is a huge responsibility, and to be in the final of a World Cup is a luxury. It is only for the chosen ones and the rest have to try to repeat it, not in this squad, but when we started almost four years ago with an idea, a philosophy and that has brought us here. I'm so proud of this.
"Today we played one of the best national teams in the world, but they came up against the best team in the world. That is different. These players deserve it all because they show day after day their commitment, their generosity, their talent. It was marvellous to see them play so spectacularly today. They make the difficult look so easy. Happy, proud and what calms me now is that we start to realise where we are."
Spain captain Rodri says his players are ready to go on and win the World Cup
23:26 , James Hicken
“They [France] can punish you at every single moment, so I think the focus in every single minute was key in this game. Unbelievable effort by everyone.
“We’ve only been twice in our history. So difficult to get to this moment, but we want more. We want to win this World Cup”
Didier Deschamps says players are 'devastated' and takes fire at referee
23:25 , James Hicken
“Of course, there is a lot of disappointment. The players are devastated because we had a lot of ambition, even though we also have to be realistic and acknowledge that today we were a notch below on the technical level against a team that controlled the game well.
“But first of all, it's our fault, I don't want to blame anyone.
"I'll ask a loaded question and I won't answer it. Is the referee at the level required to officiate a World Cup semi-final?
"And I'm not saying this just because we lost today. There were quite a few situations. There were some favourable calls, too,"
Roy Keane on Spain's triumph
23:20 , James Hicken
“Every part of the game. We talk about playing as a team, work rate off the ball, pride in possession, goal threats. They are used to winning, they won the European Cup.
“It felt more than a 2-0 victory. They controlled every aspect of the game. We've been criticising France but it's also about giving credit to Spain. Absolutely fantastic.”
Spain prove why they have the best defence at the World Cup
23:15 , James Hicken
6 - Spain are the first team in FIFA World Cup history to keep six clean sheets at a single edition – the xG figure they faced today against France (0.3) was the lowest by a nation in a semi-final tie in the competition since Brazil vs Sweden in 1994 (0.1).
— OptaJoe (@OptaJoe) July 14, 2026
Shutdown. pic.twitter.com/Pknb64OjVg
'Spain dominated the game'
23:10 , James Hicken
Patrick Viera gave plaudits to Spain for their dominance as well as France’s poor performance.
“I think Spain dominated the game in every single aspect of it. Spain were the better team. I don't think France turned up at all.”
“I said Spain had to be at their best to beat this France team and I think they were above that.
“Collectively it was a fantastic game from them. It was a well prepared game because tactically they were all over the French team.”
Gary Neville makes pizza jibe at Patrick Vieira and Roy Keane as Spain tuck in after semi-final win
23:05 , Mike Jones
Pedro Porro post-match reaction
23:00 , James Hicken
"It's a dream come true. Truly it was my biggest dream. Very, very happy for the team. From the start to the end we played a great game. We did everything possible today to be able to go through.
"We knew we were facing a very, very tough team and we did everything so well. This is a team effort, it's not about me. I just want to say congratulations to everybody for producing such a great performance."
Didier Deschamps departing legacy
22:50 , James Hicken
Despite the bitter disappointment of a semi-final exit, Deschamps should be able to hold his head high as one of France’s most successful managers.
A World Cup final, semi final and obviously their triumph in 2018. He has, over the years, built one of the best international teams that has been seen in years.
Gary Neville praises the Spanish fullbacks
22:45 , James Hicken
“I'm going to bring it back to my favourite topic which is full-backs and the biggest differential between both teams can be told through stories of the full-backs.
“Porro and Cucurella have been absolutely outstanding against those French wide players and Lucas Digne really struggled against Lamine Yamal. We talked before the game about if he can turn up in the biggest moments and today he has done.
“We're a little bit in shock here because we all had France [to win] and they have been blown away.”
Pedro Porro receives Player of the Match
22:35 , James Hicken
The right-back put on a near career- best performance to deny Barcola on multiple occasions and of course scored the decisive goal in writing Spain’s name in the final slot of the World Cup bracket
'They were waiting for someone to do something'
22:30 , James Hicken
Roy Keane explains France’s lack of impetus and collectiveness as a team. He also said that the attacking players will get a lot of stick after the game but the defence should also be under scrutiny.
Luca Digne was behind the pace of Yamal the entire game and the early departure of William Saliba will not have helped the synergy at the back.
How Spain won - the statistics
22:20 , James Hicken
As they have done in every game of this World Cup, Spain claimed the most possession, 51%.
They completed 500 passes at 86% accuracy compared to Frances 472 passes at 84% accuracy.
The expected goals stat is perhaps the most revealing France could only manage 0.3 xG and Spain had a fitting 1.6xG. This demonstrates just how Spain were able to convert their possession and passing into genuine chances, whereas France could not create anything of meaning.
Patrick Viera reacts to the loss
22:19 , James Hicken
“It was a big expectation of France to win the World Cup. We are all really disappointed by the result but mostly by the performance because we needed our top players to perform today and they didn't do it.
“It wasn't one or two that were missing, all of them were missing. Collectively we were really bad.”
Spain break French hearts in shock 2-0 World Cup win to line up spot in final
22:18 , Mike Jones
France have been knocked out of the World Cup
Agony and ecstasy
22:15 , Mike Jones
A dominant display from Spain
22:06 , Richard Jolly at Dallas Stadium
A dominant display by Spain, who limited France to so little, who exerted control and who scored a classy second - even if it was a game that swung on Digne's mistake for the penalty.”
Spain brilliance or French embarassment
22:05 , James Hicken
Spain will go to their first World Cup final since 2010 and to their credit they outplayed France.
Their midfield control through Rodri was that of champions. Special mention must also go the full backs, Porro and Cucurella who dealt with the French wingers with bravery and confidence.
France could not find the final pass and became increasingly desperate. Their best players could not create and that is not a lack of form, it is a tactical masterclass from Spain.
Full Time! Spain advance! France 0-2 Spain
22:01 , James Hicken
France could not lay a glove on Spain tonight, there was a disconnect from the first minute and the whole Spanish team came together to mute the screams of the French hopefuls.
France 0-2 Spain
22:00 , James Hicken
97 mins: Dembele puts one into the palms of Simon and Mbappe has one last desperate swipe at the ball and sends it over the bar to sum up Frances game.
France 0-2 Spain
21:58 , James Hicken
90+5 mins: Upamecano spills the ball and Nico Williams receives the pass from Ferran Torres.
The centre-back tracks back but Williams is too quick, he gets a shot away at a tight angle but it finds the outside of the side netting.
France 0-2 Spain
21:55 , James Hicken
90 mins: Cucurella is having one of the games of his career as he stops Mbappe one on one inside the area.
That is probably the best chance of the game for France, but they have been given seven extra minutes to find something
France 0-2 Spain
21:51 , James Hicken
88 mins: Yamal gives away a free kick on the edge of his area, bringing down Doue.
Mbappe steps up to be the saviour and sends it over the bar, never troubling Simon.
Yellow card: France 0-2 Spain
21:50 , James Hicken
86 mins: Frustrations are showing now for France as a random and desperate ball through from Cherki ends up in Simon’s arms.
Mbappe chases him down and receives a yellow for a late challenge.
Substitutions: France 0-2 Spain
21:47 , James Hicken
84 mins: Spain look to consolidate with some fresh legs as Llorente and Williams come on for Baena and Porro.
France 0-2 Spain
21:44 , James Hicken
81 mins: As we approach the closing stanzas of what could have been the final, France have not been able to string together more than a couple of passes in the final third and are watching a third consecutive World Cup final slip away from them
France 0-2 Spain
21:41 , James Hicken
79 mins: Ferran Torres slides a header just shy of the post as the Spaniards keep popping up in dangerous areas.
The French have not had a sniff in the last 15 mins.
Substitutions: France 0-2 Spain
21:40 , James Hicken
78 mins: Ruiz and Olmo are replaced by the equally as dangerous Mikel Merino and Pedri.
Substitution: France 0-2 Spain
21:37 , James Hicken
74 mins: Goalscorer Oyarzabal makes way for Barcelona’s Ferran Torres.
Olise has been quiet
21:36 , Richard Jolly at Dallas Stadium
Michael Olise really has been quiet today, which is a tribute to Spain.
“On comes Rayan Cherki, another huge creative talent, but one not seen much this tournament.”
Substitutions: France 0-2 Spain
21:35 , James Hicken
72 mins: The struggling Digne and Olise come off and are replaced by Cherki and Hernandez
Hydration break: France 0-2 Spain
21:33 , James Hicken
France looking increasingly frustrated throwing in rash challenges as Spain continue to dominate possession.
It would need to be something special from here.
France 0-2 Spain
21:30 , James Hicken
67 mins: Mbappe finally find some space on the edge of the area and Cucrella deflects his shot narrowly wide of the left post. France are waiting for their first shot on target.
Cucurella is defending mightily in spite of the dangers of being on a yellow card.
France 0-2 Spain
21:29 , James Hicken
65 mins: France have back-to-back corners but nothing comes of it after Mbappe tried to force a bit of magic and draws a save from Unai Simon.
France look disjointed whilst Fabian Ruiz and Rodri are working in perfect tandem in midfield, splitting the defensive and playmaking duties as if they play with each other week in week out.
Almost! France 0-2 Spain
21:25 , James Hicken
61 mins: Yamal busts through, in-behind Digne and cuts back slotting it left-footed into the side netting but is denied by the narrowest of offside calls.
"Not a good day on the left"
21:24 , Richard Jolly at Dallas Stadium
Not a good day for France's left flank defensively. Both goals have from there.
“Lucas Digne probably was at fault to some extent for the second, as well to a large extent for the first.”
Another one!! France 0-2 Spain
21:22 , James Hicken
59 mins: Pedro Porro makes a fantastic run in behind and slots the ball past Maignan on his near post to score his second international goal and second at the tournament
Olmo sacrifices himself for the perfect ball into Porro. This is a serious problem now for France who haven’t look anywhere near scoring yet
Doue on for Barcola
21:18 , Richard Jolly at Dallas Stadium
Deschamps is about to bring on Doue, presumably for Barcola, given they have been sharing the role on the left all tournament.”
France 0-1 Spain
21:15 , James Hicken
52 mins: Spain are making easy work of the French press now, playing effortlessly out to Cucurella who has free reign of the left side.
It ends up in the feet of Oyarzabal who pops a snap shot just over the bar.
France 0-1 Spain
21:11 , James Hicken
48 mins: Spain come out in a high press and Digne is once again under pressure as he is dispossessed by Yamal.
France need to be hoping for a fast start here, they cannot afford for Spain to settle in.
Second half: France 0-1 Spain
21:08 , James Hicken
45 mins: Rabiot, who is on a yellow, has been taken off for Kone, perhaps for a more attacking threat.
Spain emerge unchanged and get us underway.
Oyarzabal's penalty to give Spain one foot in the World Cup final
21:06 , James Hicken
Mikel Oyarzabal scores from the spot and Spain lead France! 🇪🇸 pic.twitter.com/pJManVOZf3
— ITV Football (@itvfootball) July 14, 2026
Digne is struggling with Yamal
21:03 , James Hicken
Yamal’s turn of pace and agility is proving a big ask for Digne who has be turned and burned more than a few times already.
Its not been an ideal start for the defence, especially as Saliba has been forced to take an early shower.
"Not much went right for France"
20:59 , Mike Jones
Here are the thoughts of The Independent’s Senior Football Correspondent, Richard Jolly, reporting from the Dallas Stadium:
A first half where not much went right for France. “There must be a case for taking off Rabiot, who has committed a couple of fouls after being booked. “This could be Didier Deschamps' last half-time teamtalk, the irrelevance of a third-place play-off apart, so a big 15 minutes for him.”
Half-time: France 0-1 Spain
20:58 , James Hicken
France will be happy to see that half behind them. Their key players could not make any real dents in the Spanish defence.
Yamal, despite not getting the goal, has had by far the biggest impact on the game so far. Spain are not in full control but they are muzzling the French attack, giving Olise real trouble.
Did Lamine Yamal commit a handball as he won a penalty for Spain?
20:57 , James Hicken
Questions are already arising over the legitimacy of Spain’s penalty as a closer look at the incident reveals that part of Yamal’s arm makes contact with the ball
France 0-1 Spain
20:49 , James Hicken
47 mins: Kounde finds himself in acres of space on the right wing and puts it a fizzing ball across the goal but Mbappe, the only man in the box, can’t get to it.
Frances front four have not quite been at the races in this first half, the best of them has been Barcola.
France 0-1 Spain
20:46 , James Hicken
43 mins: Cubarsi is judged to have committed an offence on the edge of his area, giving the French an enticing free kick.
VAR, however, informs the referee of his mistake.
A stat to forget
20:41 , Richard Jolly at Dallas Stadium
France may have a feared front four but their xG is another kind of four - 0.04...”
France 0-1 Spain
20:39 , James Hicken
37 mins: A loose pass from Maignan finds its way to a Spanish boot and Yamal and Olmo exchange a couple of exquisite passes. Yamal opts to square it one more time when surely the shot was on.
Gary Neville on penalty decision
20:37 , Mike Jones
Spain have the lead and if things remain as they are there will be plenty of conversation of the penalty decision during the half-time break.
ITV pundit Gary Neville criticised Lucas Digne’s awareness or lack thereof.
"Yes, particularly when somebody so brilliant on the outside, you have to be aware of where he is,” Neville said.
“He's closed his body off initially, he has to be aware of where Yamal is, Modric and Kane did it, but he [Digne] has to be more aware around him.
“He's not even aware he's there, he hasn't got a clue."
20:35 , James Hicken
33 mins: Spain now looking on the ascendancy with some of their trademark sustained possession.
Olmo pulls up from 30 yards and sends it into row Z.
France 0-1 Spain
20:32 , James Hicken
30 mins: Cucurella receives the first yellow card of the game for smashing into Olise, not once, but twice.
Lacroix over Konate
20:32 , Richard Jolly at Dallas Stadium
The PA announcer mangled William Saliba's name as he went off. Interesting Deschamps turned to Lacroix ahead of Konate.”
France 0-1 Spain
20:31 , James Hicken
28 mins: France are looking a bit too desperate to make headway and Spain are making easy work of picking them off.
William Saliba has gone off the pitch with an injury, Lacroix comes on as his replacement.
Hydration break: France 0-1 Spain
20:26 , James Hicken
After France probably looking the more likely to score in the first quarter of this game, a slip up from Digne leads to the French finding themselves behind for the first time in this tournament.
Spain have been the best at keeping teams out thus far, but can they repel a vengeful France?
Yamal v Digne
20:26 , Mike Jones
Here’s The Independent’s Richard Jolly reporting live from Dallas Stadium:
“Lamine Yamal against Lucas Digne always looked like a duel that Spain might win. Though not sure too many thought it would be quite like that.”
Goal!!! France 0-1 Spain
20:24 , James Hicken
22mins: Oyarzabal steps up and hammers it home into the side netting to claim his fifth goal at the World Cup.
Maignan goes the right way but stands no chance with the power on the ball.
Penalty!! France 0-0 Spain
20:22 , James Hicken
20 mins: Cucurella puts in a speculative cross which goes over the top.
Luca Digne controls it up in the air and Yamal looks to pounce, sprinting at the ball. Digne goes to clear it and kicks Yamal inside his area.
The French players are protesting a handball.
France 0-0 Spain
20:19 , James Hicken
15 mins: France show what the game plan is as Olise drops in deep to collect a defensive header and plays a stunning one-touch pass to Dembele who releases Mbappe.
The captain miscontrols it and the passage dies out...the French are knocking
A slow start
20:19 , Richard Jolly at Dallas Stadium
A slow start which we can't attribute to the weather, hot as it is outside.
“It is a contrast with their Euro 2024 semi-final when France were already 1-0 up by now.”
France 0-0 Spain
20:16 , James Hicken
14 mins: Spain are making good stops in midfield but have not got enough men forward to launch a meaningful counter attack.
The French press is causing problems but Olise has just been punished for getting a bit too excited and catching Rodri - he is a bit lucky not to get carded there.
France 0-0 Spain
20:12 , James Hicken
10 mins: The free-kick strikes the wall but Yamal is there to claim it and put a dangerous cross into the area.
France are looking to play with a ferocious intensity, but Spain are doing an adequate job of cutting the passing lanes to France’s attack.
France 0-0 Spain
20:10 , James Hicken
8 mins: Rabiot is penalised just outside of his penalty area for a challenge on Dani Olmo.
A dangerous free-kick for Spain as Yamal and Oyarzabal stand over it.
France 0-0 Spain
20:07 , James Hicken
6 mins: Spain looked to settle into their shape, but an unforced error unleashed France on the counter attack and Barcola makes easy work of his man Pedro Porro.
First corner of the game isn’t successful and Spain get let off with a goal-kick.
France 0-0 Spain
20:04 , James Hicken
3 mins: It’s a bit of a frantic start as both teams try to find their feet.
The ball has already changes hands at least a dozen times, which will not be how Spain will want to play this game as France look to push the pace
Kick-off! France 0-0 Spain
20:01 , James Hicken
Spain get us underway and the first and third ranked seeds at this World Cup will finally face-off in one of the most anticipated games of the tournament.
Team announcements
19:56 , Richard Jolly at Dallas Stadium
The teams are being announced in a ludicrously over-the-top way by a man called Bruce Buffer, surrounded by four cheerleaders.
“Apparently Buffer is the announcer for UFC.”
Spanish fans wait with anticipation as the players take the pitch
19:54 , James Hicken
Patrick Viera claims Mbappe is better than Messi
19:52 , James Hicken
When asked, Viera maintained that Mbappe is better than both Theirry Henry and Lionel Messi, two all-time legends of the game.
Michael Olise - the next Zidane?
19:47 , James Hicken
Speaking on the ITV broadcast, Patrick Viera was questioned on his comparisons between Michael Olise and Zinedine Zidane, and if it may be putting the weight of expectation unnecessarily on his shoulder.
But Viera says he happily compares him to Zidane and even Michel Platini because to be special like them you need to have the ability to carry that weight and he believes Olise is a special talent.
Is anyone in danger of a suspension tonight?
19:40 , James Hicken
All yellow cards from the quarterfinal will be wiped out ahead of the final four stage. Therefore, players who had a yellow card shown earlier in the tournament will not miss the final if they are shown a second one in the semi final.
Yellow cards were also wiped out after the group stage which is a new change for the tournament. But tonight someone would have to be carded twice or get a straight red to miss the final.
Why Trump and Fifa, try as they might, will never overshadow World Cup’s most beautiful feature
19:30 , Mike Jones
From Seattle to Mexico City, Kieran Jackson digests the visceral energy of people from all walks of life at stadiums across North America and concludes: the World Cup’s multi-culturalism is unparalleled.
Why Trump and Fifa will never overshadow World Cup’s most beautiful feature
Lamine Yamal arrives in the stadium with the expectation of a nation on his shoulders
19:25 , James Hicken
Patrick Viera compares Mbappe and Henry
19:20 , James Hicken
"It's a good comparison [between Kylian Mbappe and Thierry Henry], the two best-ever French No 9s,” Viera said. “But Mbappe is quicker with his feet, the goal vs Morocco shows it, no space, eight players around him, he finds the way to make the shot and score.
“I think Mbappe is the best player in the world, I'd put him even above Messi."
Barcola starts over Doue as Mbappe leads the charge
19:13 , James Hicken
😤 𝑳𝒆 𝒎𝒐𝒎𝒆𝒏𝒕 𝒆𝒔𝒕 𝒗𝒆𝒏𝒖 !
— Equipe de France ⭐⭐ (@equipedefrance) July 14, 2026
Voici les 11 Bleus qui partiront au combat face à l’Espagne pour une place en finale 💙
🔜 21h00 sur M6 et beIN SPORTS 1 📺 pic.twitter.com/DEapv1aiuk
The Dallas Stadium is impressive
19:12 , Richard Jolly at Dallas Stadium
Here’s The Independent’s Richard Jolly reporting from Dallas ahead of kick off:
The Dallas Stadium was mooted as a potential final venue and it is certainly impressive, a huge ground with a massive screen.
“The France and Spain players will be a long way below me.
“Didier Deschamps has brought in Bradley Barcola and a fit-again Aurelien Tchouameni for Desire Doue and Manu Kone.
“Spain are unchanged.”
Yamal starts as Spain team announced
19:10 , James Hicken
🚨 OFFICIAL | Our XI to face France
— Spanish Football (@SpainIsFootball) July 14, 2026
The mission is clear.
Let's earn our place in the World Cup Final. ❤️🇪🇸#VamosEspaña | #FIFAWorldCup pic.twitter.com/DumUTDWLO8
Mbappe 'the best in the world' says Vieira
19:08 , Mike Jones
Patrick Vieira was asked to compare two French greats in Kylian Mbappe and Thierry Henry.
As part of ITV’s coverage of this semi-final he said: "It's a good comparison, the two best-ever French No 9s, but Mbappe is quicker with his feet, the goal vs Morocco shows it, no space, eight players around him, he finds the way to make the shot and score.
“I think Mbappe is the best player in the world, I'd put him even above Messi."
Controversial referee Ivan Barton in charge of proceedings
19:05 , James Hicken
Ivan Barton of El Salvador is to be tonight's referee and he meets mixed opinion.
He was in charge of the United States vs Mexico game in the Concacaf semi-finals that ended with four red cards and a brawl between the two teams erupting.
Barton also has had a moment in the spotlight this world cup as the only referee to have had to send a player off for covering their mouth when speaking to an opposition player - giving Paraguay’s Miguel Almiron a red card.
Excitement builds in the stadium
18:54 , James Hicken
Spain team to take on France
18:48 , Mike Jones
Spain XI: Unai Simon; Porro, Laporte, Cubarsi, Cucurella; Fabian Ruiz, Baena, Rodri; Olmo, Yamal. Oyarzabal
🚨 OFFICIAL | Our XI to face France
— Spanish Football (@SpainIsFootball) July 14, 2026
The mission is clear.
Let's earn our place in the World Cup Final. ❤️🇪🇸#VamosEspaña | #FIFAWorldCup pic.twitter.com/DumUTDWLO8
France arriving at the Dallas Stadium.
18:47 , James Hicken
France XI to take on Spain
18:47 , Mike Jones
France XI: Maignan; Digne, Upamecano, Kounde, Saliba; Tchouameni, Rabiot; Dembele, Mbappe, Olise, Barcola
😤 The time has come.
— French Team ⭐⭐ (@FrenchTeam) July 14, 2026
Here are the 11 French players who will take on Spain for a spot in the World Cup final 💙
pic.twitter.com/yspVuSKYuU
Yamal on his lack of goals
18:40 , James Hicken
The Spanish star has struggled to find his momentum since being slowly reintroduced to the starting XI after an injury for Barcelona, but his personal statistics are not at the front of his mind.
Honestly, it doesn’t frustrate me,” Yamal said after Spain's quarter-final victory
“I won the European Championship scoring just one goal. If we win the World Cup, I don’t think anyone in this room is going to tell me, ‘You didn’t score.’
“We’ve won, and that’s what matters. As long as we keep advancing, I’ll be very happy.”
Although, I’m sure he wouldn’t say no to a couple of goals on a night like tonight.
The deeper battle behind France and Spain’s World Cup semi-final
18:30 , Mike Jones
A mouthwatering clash brings together the two nations that have emerged as the superpowers of European football in the 21st century explains Richard Jolly in Dallas.
The deeper battle behind France and Spain’s World Cup semi-final
A safe pair of hands - Unai Simon's World Cup record
18:23 , James Hicken
Before Spain’s game against Belgium, goalkeeper Unai Simon has not been passed in six world Cup games and before Charles De Ketelaere’s goal, the total was a record 650 minutes without conceding.
The previous record was held by Italy’s Walter Zenga at 517 minutes. Simon will find himself with perhaps his toughest ever challenge in stopping Kylian Mbappe, Michael Olise, Ousmane Dembele, Desire Doue and Bradley Barcola from hitting the back of the net.
Click here to read the full blog on The Independent's website
