Overview
- Spain defeated France 2-0 on July 14 to reach the World Cup final, with Mikel Oyarzabal scoring from the penalty spot and Pedro Porro adding a second to seal the win.
- Spanish media and leaders hailed the result as a long-awaited return to the final and fans and officials celebrated nationwide.
- Kylian Mbappé publicly acknowledged 'enormous disappointment' and said France did not reach the required tactical or technical level in the semifinal.
- Former striker Thierry Henry praised Spain and singled out Marc Cucurella as the match's best player while sharply criticizing several French players for lacking courage and responsibility.
- Paris authorities reported 141 people detained overnight after the game for incidents involving fireworks and clashes with police and France now shifts focus to its third-place match as Spain prepares for the final.