The world watched in awe as Spain delivered a masterclass in football, defeating France 2-0 in the World Cup semifinals. This victory not only secured Spain’s place in the final but also highlighted their unbeaten streak of two years, a testament to their formidable defense and tactical prowess.
France, the reigning champions and favorites to win the tournament, were no match for Spain’s relentless defense, which has only conceded one goal throughout the competition. The Spanish team’s dominance was evident from the start, with a penalty kick in the 21st minute putting them ahead. A second goal in the 58th minute sealed their victory, leaving France’s star-studded attack, led by Kylian Mbappé, Ousmane Dembélé, and Michael Olise, utterly stifled.
Spain’s Unbeaten Streak and Dominant Defense
Spain’s journey to the final has been nothing short of spectacular. With a 37-game unbeaten streak (28 wins, 9 draws, and 0 losses), they have proven to be a force to reckon with. Their defense has been a wall, allowing only one goal in the entire World Cup tournament. This defensive solidity, combined with their strategic plays, has made them a formidable opponent for any team.
Their victory over France was a testament to their tactical discipline and teamwork. Despite France’s impressive attacking trio, Spain managed to neutralize their threats effectively. This victory sets the stage for an exciting final, where Spain will face the winner of the semifinal between Argentina and England.
The Golden Boot Race: Mbappé’s Hopes and Challenges
While France’s World Cup journey ended in the semifinals, Kylian Mbappé’s quest for the Golden Boot is still alive. Currently tied with Lionel Messi with eight goals each, Mbappé has a chance to secure the award in the upcoming third-place match. The Golden Boot is decided by a set of tiebreakers, including the number of assists and the fewest minutes played.
Mbappé holds the edge with three assists compared to Messi’s two. However, if Messi scores or records an assist in Argentina’s remaining matches, Mbappé will need to respond in France’s third-place match to keep his hopes alive. The competition is fierce, with other contenders like Harry Kane and Jude Bellingham also in the running.
Current Golden Boot Odds
The latest Golden Boot odds reflect the intense competition. As of July 14, 2026, Lionel Messi is the favorite with odds of -160, followed by Kylian Mbappé at +180. Harry Kane and Jude Bellingham are also in the mix, with odds of +950 and +1600, respectively. These odds highlight the unpredictability of the race and the potential for any of these stars to emerge victorious.
The World Cup final promises to be a thrilling showdown, with Spain’s defensive prowess and strategic plays pitted against the winner of the Argentina vs. England semifinal. As the tournament reaches its climax, all eyes are on the players who will shape the outcome and leave their mark on football history.
