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Spain shocked tournament favourites France 2-0 to reach the World Cup final on Tuesday, producing a tactical masterpiece to shatter Les Bleus’ dreams of winning the title for the third time.

A first-half penalty from Mikel Oyarzabal and a 58th-minute Pedro Porro goal sealed an utterly clinical victory for the European champions at the AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas.

Spain, World Cup winners in 2010, will now face either Argentina or England in Sunday’s final in New Jersey.

France had entered the showdown as the overwhelming favourites for the tournament after a dazzling, goal-laden run to the semi-finals.

But France’s vaunted front four of captain Kylian Mbappe, Ballon D’Or winner Ousmane Dembele, Bradley Barcola and Michael Olise were snuffed out by a combination of Spanish poise and power.

Spain, who had beaten France in their previous two competitive meetings, had vowed to go on the front foot in the pre-match build-up, and they proved as good as their word.

A superior performance by Spain’s midfield, led by Manchester City star Rodri and assisted by Fabian Ruiz and Dani Olmo, never allowed the French to gain a foothold in the contest.

Spain’s midfield quickly overran the outnumbered French duo of Adrien Rabiot and Aurelien Tchouameni, passing around their opponents with ease to control the early exchanges.

The first signs of French frustration came after just nine minutes when midfielder Rabiot was booked for treading on Olmo’s foot on the edge of the area.

Yet despite the early dominance, it was France who looked the more threatening when venturing into the final third, and it needed a desperate late block by Pau Cubarsi to thwart Mbappe in the 16th minute as the French captain looked to break clear.

Spain’s early dominance got its reward in the 20th minute, though, when a hopeful cross by Marc Cucurella flew across the penalty area.

Lucas Digne didn’t get enough purchase on his attempted headed clearance, and as the Aston Villa player instinctively swung out a leg, he kicked Yamal, sending the Barcelona star crashing to the turf.

El Salvadoran referee Ivan Barton pointed immediately to the spot, and after a brief delay as French players loitered, Oyarzabal stepped up to sweep in a spot-kick that beat the dive of French goalkeeper Mike Maignan.

France’s rocky start got worse after 31 minutes when key central defender William Saliba hobbled off with an injury to be replaced by Maxence Lacroix.

Spain almost doubled their lead with a sublime passing move on 38 minutes when wonderful interplay on the edge of the area sliced open France’s defence, with Dayot Upamecano’s block denying Fabian Ruiz.

France enjoyed their best spell in the closing minutes of the first half, and only excellent anticipation from Spain goalkeeper Unai Simón denied Mbappé after Rabiot’s clever through ball.

Spain, though, reasserted themselves at the start of the second half, and Deschamps’ failure to adjust France’s tactics again left the Spanish midfield in charge.

At 58 minutes, Spain struck the hammer blow. Porro and Olmo worked a sensational one-two on the edge of the area that sent Porro through, and the Tottenham defender clipped a fine finish past Maignan.

Only a fractional offside decision denied Spain a third goal in the 61st minute, when Lamal had the ball in the net.

Deschamps made a flurry of substitutions, but France were unable to penetrate Spain’s smothering defence, their best chance coming when Mbappé’s shot was blocked at the near post by Simon.

French frustration was symbolised by Mbappe in the closing minutes, booked for following through on Simon as Spain closed out the victory.

AFP

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Police in South Africa have launched an investigation into the death of Bafana Bafana midfielder Jayden Adams, just two weeks after he helped his country reach the FIFA World Cup knockout stage for the first time.

According to the Associated Press, the 25-year-old’s body was discovered on Saturday at a property in Cape Town’s Schotsche Kloof neighbourhood, with authorities confirming that the circumstances surrounding his death remain under investigation.

“Cape Town central police registered an inquest for investigation following the discovery of the body of a 25-year-old male on Saturday,” police said in a statement, adding that no cause of death has yet been established.

Father of the deceased, Juanito Adams, said the family was awaiting the outcome of an autopsy before making funeral arrangements.

“As you all know, it was an untimely death. The family is struggling to process it. It won’t be easy to carry on. People say it will become easier, but it won’t. You just learn to live with it,” he said.

The midfielder featured in all three of South Africa’s group-stage matches at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, helping Bafana Bafana qualify for the knockout rounds for the first time in the nation’s history. He did not play in the team’s 1-0 defeat to Canada in the Round of 32 on June 28.

South Africa’s Minister of Sports, Gayton McKenzie, urged the public to avoid speculation while investigations continue. He also revealed that Adams had shown remarkable resilience by playing against the Czech Republic only hours after learning of his grandmother’s death.

Tributes have continued to pour in following the midfielder’s passing, with moments of silence observed before the World Cup quarter-final matches between England and Norway and Argentina and Switzerland on Saturday.

Authorities have not announced when the results of the post-mortem examination will be released.

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Dutch football referee Rob Dieperink has died at the age of 38, just weeks after he was removed from FIFA’s list of officials for the 2026 World Cup following a police investigation in the United Kingdom.

The Netherlands Football Association (KNVB) confirmed his death on Sunday, although no cause of death was disclosed.

Dieperink had been selected to serve as a video assistant referee (VAR) at the World Cup before FIFA withdrew his appointment in May. His removal came after he was arrested by the Metropolitan Police in April over an allegation of sexual assault involving a teenage boy. The investigation was later closed without charges after police said there was insufficient evidence to meet the required threshold.

The KNVB paid tribute to Dieperink, describing him as a respected official and colleague. “With Rob, we lose a highly valued referee, but above all a kind and dedicated colleague,” the association said. “Our thoughts go out to his family, friends, and everyone who held him dear. We wish them much strength and support in processing this great loss.”

Dieperink had officiated in the Eredivisie since 2017 and also worked as a VAR at Euro 2024. Before his World Cup appointment was withdrawn, he had continued to officiate at European level, including serving as VAR during Crystal Palace’s 3-0 Europa Conference League quarter-final first-leg victory over Fiorentina on 9 April.

Speaking to Dutch newspaper De Telegraaf after his removal from FIFA’s World Cup list, Dieperink insisted he had done nothing wrong. “It saddens me greatly that I have been wrongly accused,” he said. “From the beginning, I have fully cooperated in the police investigation and also immediately gave full openness to FIFA, UEFA and the KNVB.”

He added: “I am grateful for the support I have received from the KNVB and the way in which they have dealt with this case. It is a pity that FIFA has decided not to appoint me for the World Cup anymore. Of course, I am disappointed about that.”

In a statement, the Metropolitan Police said officers responded to a report of a sexual assault at an address on Wellesley Road in Croydon on 9 April. A man in his 30s was arrested on suspicion of sexual assault before detectives carried out what they described as a thorough investigation, including reviewing CCTV footage and examining digital devices. Police concluded there was not enough evidence to proceed, adding: “No further action will be taken.”