European champions Spain produced a commanding display to defeat France 2-0 and become the first team to qualify for the 2026 World Cup final.
At Dallas Stadium, La Roja outclassed a French side widely regarded as the tournament's strongest team up to this point, securing a deserved victory and a place in Sunday's final, where they will face either England or Argentina.
The triumph puts Spain within reach of a second World Cup title, 16 years after lifting the trophy in South Africa in 2010.
France, meanwhile, will contest the third-place playoff against the loser of Wednesday's second semi-final.
Spain strike first
As in the semi-finals of Euro 2024, when Spain defeated France 2-1, Luis de la Fuente's side once again ended Les Bleus' hopes at the last-four stage.
France never looked like the tournament favourites many had expected. Didier Deschamps' team struggled to create chances, while defensive mistakes proved costly.
After a cautious opening 20 minutes, the match burst into life in the 22nd minute.
France defender Lucas Digne attempted to play the ball back to goalkeeper Mike Maignan but failed to spot Lamine Yamal closing in. The youngster was brought down inside the box, prompting referee Barton to award an immediate penalty.
Mikel Oyarzabal stepped up and converted confidently to give Spain a 1-0 lead.
Spain nearly doubled their advantage in the 38th minute when Fabián Ruiz met a pass from Yamal, only for Dayot Upamecano to produce a vital block and divert the effort behind for a corner.
The Spaniards went into the break with a deserved advantage against an unusually flat French side.
Pedro Porro seals the win
Spain maintained control after the restart and continued to move the ball patiently and effectively.
The second goal arrived in the 58th minute when Dani Olmo produced an excellent assist for Pedro Porro, who had surged forward and finished neatly past Maignan to make it 2-0.
From that point on, Spain dominated proceedings.
France failed to seriously test goalkeeper Unai Simón, while Rodri and Lamine Yamal controlled the rhythm of the match and ensured Spain remained comfortable throughout.
At the final whistle, Spain's players celebrated a thoroughly deserved victory and a place in the World Cup final.
Teams
France (Didier Deschamps):
Mike Maignan; Lucas Digne (72' Lucas Hernández), Dayot Upamecano, Jules Koundé, William Saliba (inj. Maxence Lacroix), Aurélien Tchouaméni, Adrien Rabiot (46' Manu Koné), Ousmane Dembélé, Kylian Mbappé, Michael Olise (72' Rayan Cherki), Bradley Barcola (57' Désiré Doué).
Spain (Luis de la Fuente):
Unai Simón; Pedro Porro (84' Marcos Llorente), Aymeric Laporte, Pau Cubarsí, Marc Cucurella, Fabián Ruiz (77' Pedri), Álex Baena (84' Nico Williams), Rodri, Dani Olmo (77' Mikel Merino), Lamine Yamal, Mikel Oyarzabal.
