The essentials
Spain and Argentina won their semifinals to set up a World Cup final matchup.
Spain and Argentina have secured the 2026 FIFA World Cup final after completing the semifinal stage in Miami, Florida.
Spain defeated France 2-0 in their semifinal, advancing to their first final appearance since 2010. Lamine Yamal drew a penalty after a foul by Lucas Digne, providing a decisive moment in Spain's dominant performance. Spain's defense recorded their sixth shutout of the tournament, containing France's attacking threat including Kylian Mbappé.
Argentina defeated England 2-1 in their semifinal matchup. Lionel Messi provided two assists in the victory, contributing decisively to Argentina's advancement. Argentina seeks back-to-back World Cup titles as defending champions.
Spain maintains a 37-game unbeaten streak heading into the championship match. Both teams demonstrated defensive resilience and offensive efficiency throughout the knockout stages to reach the final.
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Spain and Argentina demonstrate championship-level efficiency
Spain's 2-0 victory over France showcased their defensive dominance with a sixth tournament shutout, while Argentina's 2-1 win over England demonstrated their ability to manage close matches. Both teams' semifinal victories confirm their status as championship contenders, with Spain maintaining a 37-game unbeaten streak and Argentina leveraging Lionel Messi's two assists for tactical advantage.
Semifinal results complete World Cup knockout stage progression
The semifinals concluded the knockout rounds with Spain and Argentina advancing to the championship match. Spain reaches their first final since 2010 after eliminating France, while Argentina, as defending champions, advances past England. The results establish the final matchup, with both nations having progressed through the tournament's most demanding stage successfully.