1 of 5 | Spain winger Lamine Yamal (L) is challenged by France's Maxence Lacroix in the second half of a 2026 FIFA World Cup semifinal Tuesday in Arlington, Texas. Photo by Christian Brunskill/UPI | License Photo
July 14 (UPI) -- Spain defenders made France's previously potent attack appear pedestrian, shutting out the World Cup favorites Tuesday to advance to the 2026 finale.
Forward Mikel Oyarzabal and defender Pedro Porro found the net in the 2-0 triumph in Arlington, Texas. Spain goalie Unai Simon logged three saves to become the first goalie in World Cup history to secure six clean sheets in the same tournament.
"Today, we were facing the one of the best squads in the world," Spain coach Luis de la Fuente said on the Fox broadcast. "But in front of them, they faced the best team in the world.
"That's the difference. That's a big plus. These players deserve everything."
