Spain booked their place in the World Cup final with a composed 2-0 victory over France on Tuesday, ending the hopes of the tournament favourites and moving within one match of a second World Cup title.
The European champions took control after an evenly contested opening period and rarely looked troubled as they secured their first appearance in a World Cup final since lifting the trophy in South Africa in 2010.
Mikel Oyarzabal gave Spain the lead in the 22nd minute, converting from the penalty spot after France defender Lucas Digne brought down teenage winger Lamine Yamal inside the area.
Spain gradually asserted control through its possession-based approach, dictating the tempo and restricting opportunities for Kylian Mbappe and the French attack.
France struggled to break through Spain's organised defence and found themselves further behind in the 58th minute. Pedro Porro exchanged passes with Dani Olmo before breaking into the box and finishing beyond goalkeeper Mike Maignan to double Spain's advantage.
A day after celebrating his 19th birthday, Yamal remained one of Spain's standout performers. The Barcelona forward thought he had added a third goal shortly after Porro's strike, only for the effort to be ruled out for offside.
The victory continues Spain's recent dominance over France in major competitions. Yamal scored when Spain defeated France in the semi-finals of Euro 2024, while Spain also beat their rivals in last year's Nations League meeting.
Speaking after Spain's quarter-final victory over Belgium, Yamal had suggested France should fear Spain, and the reigning European champions delivered another impressive display on the sport's biggest stage.
Spain will now face either defending champions Argentina or England in Sunday's final at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey.
For France, the defeat ends hopes of becoming only the third nation to reach three consecutive World Cup finals. Didier Deschamps' side will instead play in Saturday's third-place match in Miami Gardens, Florida.
Spain will head into the final full of confidence as they seek to add a second World Cup crown to their growing list of international honours.
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