​July 14 (UPI) — Spain defenders made France’s previously potent attack appear pedestrian, shutting out the World Cup favorites Tuesday to advance to the 2026 finale.Forward Mikel Oyarzabal and defender Pedro Porro found the net in the 2-0 triumph in Arlington, Texas. Spain goalie Unai Simon logged three saves to become the first goalie in World Cup history to secure six clean sheets in the same tournament.AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisement”Today, we were facing the one of the best squads in the world,” Spain coach Luis de la Fuente said on the Fox broadcast. “But in front of them, they faced the best team in the world.”That’s the difference. That’s a big plus. These players deserve everything.”The top-ranked Spaniards will meet No. 3 Argentina, the defending champions, or No. 4 England in the 2026 World Cup Final at 3 p.m. EDT Sunday in East Rutherford, N.J.Spain defender Pedro Porro celebrates a 2026 FIFA World Cup semifinal victory over France on Tuesday in Arlington, Texas. Photo by Christian Brunskill/UPIThe Spaniards are set to appear in their second finale. They won their lone title with a 1-0 triumph over the Netherlands in 2010 in Johannesburg, South Africa.Spain out-passed France 500-472 in Tuesday’s semifinal. The World Cup semifinalists unleashed 10 shots apiece. The Spaniards held a slight 51% to 49% advantage in possession.France’s Aurelien Tchouameni looks on as Spanish players celebrate a 2026 FIFA World Cup semifinal victory Tuesday in Arlington, Texas. Photo by Christian Brunskill/UPIOyarzabal drew first blood for Spain with a penalty kick in the 22nd minute. The attempt came after a foul committed by left back Lucas Digne on winger Lamine Yamal.AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementOyarzabal ripped his shot into the upper right portion of the net, beating French goalie Mike Maignan. The Spaniards continued to contain the Kylian Mbappe-led French attack. Meanwhile, the French defense lost starter William Saliba to an injury in the 30th minute.Spain’s Mikel Oyarzabal (21) scores on a penalty kick against goalkeeper Mike Maignan of France in the first half of a 2026 FIFA World Cup semifinal Tuesday in Arlington, Texas. Photo by Christian Brunskill/UPISpain nearly doubled its lead with a beautiful passing sequence less than 10 minutes later, but failed to finish. Simon eliminated an Mbappe chance when he came out of the goal and cleared a breakaway from the Real Madrid star’s feet in the 42nd minute.Simon continued to stay aggressive, swiping the ball away from French stars as they threatened his net in the second half. His teammates provided insurance when they doubled the lead in the 58th minute.Spain goalkeeper Unai Simon (L) defense French striker Kylian Mbappe (R) during the first half of a 2026 FIFA World Cup semifinal Tuesday in Arlington, Texas. Photo by Christian Brunskill/UPIPorro started that play by sending a pass above the box for Dani Olmo. The midfielder used his first touch to lead Porro into the box. Porro, w