Spain is heading back to the FIFA World Cup final for the first time since 2010 after a clinical 2-0 win over France in Tuesday’s semifinal, setting up a showdown with the winner of England and Argentina’s last-four clash.
Mikel Oyarzabal broke the deadlock from the penalty spot in the first half, and Pedro Porro doubled the advantage in the 58th minute to seal La Roja’s passage to Sunday’s grand final at New York-New Jersey Stadium.
The result marks Spain’s return to football’s biggest stage 16 years after their solitary World Cup triumph in 2010, and ends France’s bid for a third world title.
Road to the Final Now Set
With Spain through, attention turns to the second semifinal between England and Argentina, played Wednesday (15) in Atlanta, to determine their opponent in Sunday’s (19) final in New York.
The loser of that semifinal will face France in the third-place playoff on Saturday (18) in Miami.
Team Breakdown
England
Coach: Thomas Tuchel
World Cup stage: 4th semifinal appearance in history (champions in 1966)
Group stage: 7 points (wins over Croatia and Panama, draw with Ghana)
Knockout stage: Eliminated DR Congo, Mexico, and Norway
Unavailable: Jarell Quansah (suspended)
Tuchel made a defensive shake-up ahead of the semifinal, bringing in Reece James and Djed Spence in place of Konsa and O’Reilly — meaning the German coach has not fielded the same back four in consecutive World Cup matches.
Argentina
Coach: Lionel Scaloni
World Cup stage: 5th semifinal appearance in history — never eliminated at this stage, and the reigning champions
Group stage: 9 points, a perfect record (wins over Algeria, Austria, and Jordan)
Knockout stage: Eliminated Cape Verde, Egypt, and Switzerland
Unavailable: Full-strength squad
Line-up: Dibu Martínez; Molina, Cuti Romero, Lisandro Martínez, Tagliafico; Leandro Paredes, Mac Allister, Enzo Fernández; Messi, Julián Álvarez, Giuliano Simeone.
The notable change saw Giuliano Simeone brought into the attack, with De Paul dropping out of midfield.
A Storied Rivalry
England and Argentina’s World Cup history is tightly contested, featuring some of the tournament’s most iconic moments:
- 1962 (Group Stage): England won 3-1
- 1966 (Quarterfinals): England won 1-0
- 1986 (Quarterfinals): Argentina won 2-1 — Maradona’s legendary “Hand of God” and “Goal of the Century” match
- 1998 (Round of 16): Argentina won 4-3 on penalties after a 2-2 draw