In the 2026 FIFA World Cup semifinal on July 14, 2026, France fell to Spain 2-1 at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey. The match saw Spain dominate possession and create more chances, while France struggled to break through a disciplined Spanish defense.
Spain took the lead in the 25th minute through a goal from Pedri, who capitalized on a defensive error. France equalized in the 58th minute with a strike from Kylian Mbappé, but Spain regained the lead in the 73rd minute via a header from Álvaro Morata. France pushed for an equalizer but failed to convert opportunities.
French coach Didier Deschamps acknowledged the team's frustration after the match, saying, 'We lacked precision in the final third. Spain controlled the game well.' The defeat marks France's exit from the tournament, while Spain advances to the final against Argentina.
