World Cup 2026: Spain return to the final 16 years after first lifting the trophy

La Roja defeat France to secure a place in football’s biggest match

Spain have reached the 2026 World Cup final after beating France 2-0 in Dallas, securing their place in the tournament’s showpiece match for only the second time in their history.

The victory sends La Roja into Sunday’s final at MetLife Stadium, where they will face either Argentina or England in their pursuit of a second world title.

The achievement marks a significant moment for Spanish football. Before this campaign, Spain’s only appearance in a World Cup final came in 2010, when they defeated the Netherlands to win the competition for the first time.

Sixteen years on from that landmark triumph in South Africa, a new generation of Spanish players now has the opportunity to add another chapter to the country’s football history.

A return to the biggest stage

Spain’s first World Cup crown remains one of the defining moments in the nation’s sporting history.

On 11 July 2010, Vicente del Bosque’s side overcame the Netherlands 1-0 after extra time in Johannesburg.

The decisive moment came in the 116th minute when Andrés Iniesta scored the goal that delivered Spain’s maiden world title.

That success represented the peak of a remarkable era for Spanish football.

Having already won the European Championship in 2008, Spain went on to retain the continental crown in 2012, cementing their status as one of the dominant international teams of their generation.

Since then, however, Spain had not managed to return to a World Cup final.

That changed in Dallas, where a composed and convincing performance against France ensured their long-awaited return to football’s biggest match.

New generation seeks place in history

Spain’s journey to the final has been built on strong collective performances throughout the tournament.

The team has impressed with its style of play and consistency, helping it navigate the competition and emerge as one of the standout sides of the 2026 World Cup.

Now, with only one match remaining, Spain stand on the brink of another historic achievement.

Victory in Sunday’s final would secure a second World Cup title and place La Roja among the select group of nations to have won the tournament more than once.

Before they can celebrate, however, one final challenge remains.

Spain will meet the winner of the second semi-final between Argentina and England at MetLife Stadium.

Regardless of the opponent, the final promises to be one of the most significant matches in the history of this Spanish generation.

Having already ended a 16-year wait to reach the final again, La Roja now have the opportunity to complete the journey and bring home a second world crown.