How an unlikely Spain source stunned France to clinch World Cup final berth
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.
Read more
Richard Jolly at Dallas Stadium14 July 2026 22:35
Spain chances conceded at World Cup 2026
Spain’s xG conceded across the tournament is astonishingly low, with just one actual goal conceded. Resolute at the back and in total control in possession. Argentina or England face a tough task:
- Cape Verde, 0.2
- Saudi, 0.14
- Uruguay, 0.2
- Austria, 0.32
- Portugal, 0.63
- Belgium, 0.34
- France, 0.3
Jack Rathborn15 July 2026 11:05
Rodri: The complete performance vs France in World Cup 2026 semi-final
- Aerials won: 4 (2)
- Touches 82 (3)
- Fouled 3 (T-1)
- Blocked shots 1 (T-1)
- Clearances 2 (T-6)
- Passes 67 (2)
(Getty)
Jack Rathborn15 July 2026 10:45
Juan Mata lauds Dani Olmo’s Spain performance
Jack Rathborn15 July 2026 10:25
Thierry Henry explains Spain’s philosophy
Thierry Henry tells Fox Sports: “You need to understand, the ball moves, but everyone stays in their position, let the ball fly. They open up to attract the team, movement, nobody stays in the same position, but you stay where you’re supposed to be. Don’t be greedy, you bring to the other side.
“Recycle. Recycle. Sounds simple, 2-0, but semi-final of the World Cup, they passed the ball around France like they weren’t there. It was Baena, but it could be Nico Williams. They know what they’re supposed to do since nine years old. First cap, second cap… They know the system. Simple but you need to think about it.”
Jack Rathborn15 July 2026 10:05
Mundo Deportivo runs with ‘What titans’ (Mundo Deportivo)
Marca’s front page after Spain’s victory over France (Marca)
El Pais runs with ‘Spain, to the big final’ (El Pais)
Jack Rathborn15 July 2026 09:45
French papers react to World Cup 2026 exit
L’Equipe’s front page goes with ‘Etoile Filante,’ or ‘Falling Star,’ with Les Bleus succumbing to Spanish dominance.
L’Equipe reacts to France’s World cup loss to Spain (L’Equipe)
Jack Rathborn15 July 2026 09:30
Rayan Cherki pinpoints where France lost the game game against Spain
“I don’t know if we lacked solutions or desire. Today, they recovered possession more easily than we did. If we had won back more balls, we would have hurt them more,” Cherki claims.
“At halftime, the coach told us there were still 50 minutes left and that we would have chances. The disappointment is enormous. We knew their main strength was playing at a slow pace. Sometimes, we should have done the same.
“It was more difficult than we expected. I tried to help push the comeback. I don’t think it was a lack of desire. They were better than us tactically, better positioned. We tried to solve those problems. We are in a World Cup semifinal; everything comes down to the details.”
Michael Olise of France is challenged by Rodri of Spain (Getty)
Jack Rathborn15 July 2026 09:15
Didier Deschamps questions World Cup semi-final referee after France beaten by Spain
A 2-0 defeat in Dallas marked a disappointing end to Deschamps’ time in charge, with the manager set to depart after Saturday’s third place play-off and expected to be succeeded by Zinedine Zidane.
Harry Latham-Coyle15 July 2026 09:00
Rayan Cherki reacts to France loss to Spain
“They were better in every aspect of the game,” Cherki said. “They wanted it more than we did. I am convinced that we are the better team, but this afternoon they were superior.
“They did not apply excessive pressure, it wasn’t all over the pitch; there was time to play. Maybe we didn’t know how to control our emotions.”
(Reuters)
Jack Rathborn15 July 2026 08:45