Spain secured their place in the FIFA World Cup 2026 final with a commanding 2-0 victory over France on Tuesday, setting up a title showdown that will be preceded by a star-studded closing ceremony at New York New Jersey Stadium on Sunday.
The reigning European champions delivered a composed and clinical performance at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas, scoring once in each half while stifling France’s attack to reach their first World Cup final since winning the title in South Africa in 2010.
Mikel Oyarzabal put Spain ahead in the 22nd minute from the penalty spot after teenage winger Lamine Yamal was fouled inside the area, rewarding Spain’s early dominance.
Pedro Porro doubled the lead early in the second half, finishing a flowing move involving Dani Olmo to leave France chasing the game.
France, one of the tournament favourites after scoring 16 goals in six matches, struggled to create clear-cut chances against Spain’s disciplined defence. Captain Kylian Mbappé, the competition’s leading scorer heading into the semi-final, was kept largely quiet as Spain limited the space that had fuelled France’s run to the last four.
Despite introducing fresh attacking options in the closing stages, France failed to breach a Spanish backline that has conceded just one goal throughout the tournament.
The victory extends Spain’s unbeaten run and continues their recent success against France, having also defeated Les Bleus in the UEFA Euro 2024 semi-final and the 2025 UEFA Nations League.
France, champions in 2018 and runners-up in 2022, will now contest Saturday’s third-place playoff.
Spain will face either England or Argentina in Sunday’s final, where they will bid to win their second FIFA World Cup title.
Ahead of the championship match, FIFA will stage a 90-minute closing ceremony beginning at 1:30 p.m. local time, celebrating the conclusion of the first 48-team World Cup, jointly hosted by Canada, Mexico and the United States.
The ceremony will feature performances by Laura Pausini, Nicole Scherzinger, Robbie Williams and online personality IShowSpeed, while Hollywood actor Tom Cruise is scheduled to make a special appearance. Award-winning singer and actress Jennifer Hudson will perform the United States national anthem before kick-off.
According to FIFA, the production will celebrate the journey of all 48 participating nations and reflect the passion, diversity and global unity that have characterised the month-long tournament.
The ceremony has been produced in partnership with Balich Wonder Studio, with FIFA saying additional performers and special guests will be announced before the final.
“We wanted the closing ceremony to bring the tournament full circle by celebrating football, music and culture before crowning the new world champions,” FIFA World Cup 2026 Chief Operating Officer Heimo Schirgi said.
FIFA has advised supporters to arrive early, with stadium gates opening four hours before kick-off to allow fans to take part in entertainment and interactive activities before the final begins.
