Photos: Spain ends Mbappe and France’s World Cup dream to reach final
Spain defeated France 2-0 in the World Cup semifinals, ending France's tournament run and Kylian Mbappe's hopes for a third final appearance. Spain dominated the match with superior tactical passing, leaving France unable to generate significant offensive pressure.
Why it matters
The result is a major upset in international football, highlighting the tactical evolution of the Spanish team under current management.
France’s free-scoring World Cup run ends in 2-0 loss to Spain, denting Mbappe’s hopes of a third final.
x whatsapp-stroke copylink google Add Al Jazeera on Google info Spain's Pedro Porro and Marc Cucurella celebrate after the match [Maria Lysaker/Imagn Images via Reuters] Published On 15 Jul 2026 15 Jul 2026 France arrived in the World Cup semifinals billed as the most exciting attacking force to grace the tournament since Brazil’s fabled 1982 side.
But Kylian Mbappe and his teammates discovered the hard way that dazzling football is no guarantee of survival.
France’s bright, attacking campaign came to a flat end with a painful 2-0 defeat.
Between them, Mbappe, Ousmane Dembele, Michael Olise, Bradley Barcola and Desire Doue had helped France score 16 goals in six matches on their way to Tuesday’s semifinal.
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