Spain eliminates France in World Cup semifinal, ending French hopes for a third straight final

Spain has eliminated France from the World Cup in a highly anticipated semifinal, securing their place in the final with a 1-0 victory. The match, billed as a "final before the final," saw France's "Rooster" fall to the "Red Fury," extending Spain's dominance over the French team. France had previously lost to Spain in major competitions like the Euro 2024 and the 2025 League of Nations.

The defeat on July 14, France's national holiday, cast a somber mood over the country, drawing parallels to a tragic terrorist attack a decade prior. The French team, managed by Didier Deschamps in what is reportedly his last World Cup, paid tribute to victims but missed the chance to reach a third consecutive World Cup final.

Spain, undefeated in the tournament, showcased a strong defense and fluid team play, adhering to their identity of technical mastery and ball possession. The duel between France's Kylian Mbappé and Spain's young prodigy Lamine Yamal of FC Barcelona tipped in favor of Yamal, who is poised to lead his country in the final. This marks Spain's second World Cup final appearance, their first since winning in 2010.

While Spain celebrates a deserved qualification, France is left to ponder what might have been. Despite an otherwise impeccable tournament run, they lacked the efficiency and realism that had carried them to the semifinals. The loss at the cusp of the final leaves the tournament with an "unfinished" taste for the French, particularly for Deschamps as he concludes his World Cup tenure.