Spain is headed to only its second World Cup final in history after dismantling France 2-0 in a masterful semifinal performance at Dallas Stadium on Tuesday, July 14. La Furia Roja will face either England or Argentina in Sunday's championship match in East Rutherford, New Jersey.

Yamal Sets Up the Opener

The 19-year-old sensation Lamine Yamal continued his remarkable tournament when he earned a penalty in the 22nd minute after being fouled by French left-back Lucas Digne inside the box. Veteran striker Mikel Oyarzabal stepped up and coolly converted from the spot, sending goalkeeper Mike Maignan the wrong way to give Spain a 1-0 lead just before the hydration break.

The goal immediately changed the complexion of the match. France, which entered as FIFA's top-ranked team, was forced to chase the game against a Spanish side that had allowed just one goal in the knockout rounds.

Saliba Injury Compounds French Woes

Minutes after conceding, France suffered another devastating blow when star defender William Saliba was forced off the pitch with what appeared to be a non-contact back injury. The Arsenal centerback's absence left a hole in the French defense that Spain would exploit later in the match.

Even with Kylian Mbappe leading the attack, Les Bleus could not find a way through Spain's organized backline. The eight-goal tournament leader saw his hopes of a third consecutive World Cup final appearance slip away as Spain's defensive discipline held firm.

Porro Seals the Victory

Spain doubled their lead in the 58th minute through right-back Pedro Porro, who finished off a clinical 1-2 combination with Dani Olmo. The Tottenham defender's goal effectively ended French hopes of a comeback and sent the Dallas Stadium crowd into a frenzy.

Head coach Luis de la Fuente's unchanged lineup from the Belgium quarterfinal victory proved the right call once again. Rodri controlled the midfield, while Yamal and the creative unit kept France's defense constantly off-balance throughout the 90 minutes.

End of an Era for France

The defeat marked the end of Didier Deschamps' tenure as France manager. The 57-year-old, who led Les Bleus to World Cup glory in 2018 and the final in 2022, confirmed his departure following the semifinal elimination.

Mbappe finishes the tournament with 20 career World Cup goals, just one shy of Lionel Messi's all-time record of 21. The French captain will have to wait until 2030 for another chance at the ultimate prize.

Spain Eyes Second World Cup Title

Spain now awaits the winner of Wednesday's semifinal between England and Argentina in Atlanta. A victory on Sunday would give Spain its second World Cup title, matching their 2010 triumph in South Africa under Vicente del Bosque.

The final will take place at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey, on Sunday, July 19 at 7:00 PM ET. France, meanwhile, will face the losing semifinalist in Saturday's third-place match in Miami.

With their trademark possession-based football and a defense that has conceded just two goals in six knockout matches, Spain will enter the final as favorites to lift the trophy on American soil.