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Spain are the team to beat! Winners and losers as La Roja outclass France to reach the World Cup final
Spain are the team to beat! Winners and losers as La Roja outclass France to reach the World Cup final
Spain sent the strongest possible warning to their remaining opponents with a composed 2-0 victory over France in the 2026 World Cup semi-final.
Despite France boasting one of the tournament’s most feared attacking units, Luis de la Fuente’s side controlled proceedings from start to finish. Mikel Oyarzabal opened the scoring from the penalty spot before Pedro Porro doubled the advantage, while Spain’s disciplined display left Kylian Mbappe and company with few answers.
Here are the biggest winners and losers from Dallas.
Winner: Rodri
Big games often belong to the biggest personalities, and Rodri once again demonstrated why he is regarded as one of the world’s finest midfielders.
The Manchester City star controlled possession, broke up French attacks and dictated the rhythm throughout the contest. His positional discipline prevented France from building any sustained momentum, while his passing ensured Spain remained in complete control.
It was a masterclass in defensive midfield play and another reminder of why Rodri remains indispensable for both club and country.
Winner: Spain’s tactical discipline
Spain looked every inch a championship-winning team.
Every player understood their role, the defensive structure rarely broke shape, and transitions were executed with precision. Even when France attempted to increase the tempo, Spain remained calm and composed.
Their ability to dominate without relying on constant attacking pressure underlined just how complete this team has become.
Loser: France’s star-studded attack
France entered the match with enormous expectations surrounding their frontline.
Instead, Mbappe, Michael Olise, Ousmane Dembele and Bradley Barcola produced one of their poorest collective displays of the tournament.
Spain’s defensive organisation left them isolated for long spells, with clear-cut opportunities almost impossible to create. Mbappe struggled to influence the game, Dembele failed to provide his usual spark, while Olise was eventually substituted after being largely contained.
For a team built around attacking quality, it was a hugely disappointing performance.
Loser: Didier Deschamps
France’s exit marks a frustrating end to Deschamps’ World Cup campaign.
His side arrived as one of the favourites to lift the trophy but were comprehensively outplayed when it mattered most. Tactically, France never found a solution to Spain’s midfield control, while their attacking stars looked disconnected throughout.
Although Deschamps’ legacy remains secure after years of success with the national team, this semi-final defeat will inevitably raise questions about why such a talented squad failed to perform on the biggest stage.
Winner: Pedro Porro
Porro delivered one of his finest international performances.
Defensively, he coped well with France’s dangerous left side, while his adventurous runs forward constantly stretched the opposition. His well-taken goal effectively ended the contest and rewarded an energetic display on both sides of the ball.
If he recovers fully from the muscle issue that forced him off late on, he will be a vital player in the final.
Loser: France’s defence
France’s defensive lapses proved costly.
Lucas Digne’s mistimed challenge handed Spain an early penalty, while Porro’s decisive run for the second goal exposed poor defensive tracking inside the penalty area.
With William Saliba also forced off through injury, France’s back line never looked settled against Spain’s fluid movement.
Final verdict
Spain didn’t simply beat one of the tournament favourites—they dominated them.
Rodri orchestrated proceedings, the defence neutralised France’s dangerous attack, and the collective performance reinforced why La Roja now enter the World Cup final as the team everyone must overcome.
France, meanwhile, leave the tournament wondering how one of football’s most gifted squads produced so little when it mattered most.
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