Spain delivered a masterclass in midfield control to defeat France 2-0 in the World Cup semifinals on Tuesday, ending the highly-rated French attack's run and Kylian Mbappe's bid for a third consecutive final appearance.

France had arrived at the AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas, as arguably the tournament's most exciting offensive unit, having scored 16 goals in their previous six matches. However, they were largely stifled by Spain's tactical discipline.

Despite boasting a potent attack featuring Mbappe, Ousmane Dembele, Michael Olise, Bradley Barcola, and Desire Doue, France struggled to create clear-cut chances. Their first shot on target did not come until past the 75-minute mark, by which time Spain had established a commanding 2-0 lead.

The defeat marks a disappointing end to France's campaign and signals the likely departure of manager Didier Deschamps, who has overseen a successful tenure but will face scrutiny over his tactical approach against Spain's midfield trio of Rodri, Dani Olmo, and Fabian Ruiz.

Kylian Mbappe, who had hoped to become only the second player in history to reach three World Cup finals, will now prepare for the third-place playoff. Despite the setback, the Real Madrid forward expressed defiance, asserting that the French squad possesses the talent to regroup and challenge for future honors, including the 2028 European Championship.

Spain's victory was a testament to their cohesive midfield and effective game plan, which successfully cut off France's supply lines. The Spanish team celebrated their advancement to the World Cup final, with fans in Madrid also marking the occasion.

This result contrasts sharply with France's previous performances in the tournament, where their free-scoring nature had captivated audiences. The semifinal clash highlighted the effectiveness of Spain's structured play against a team known for its individual brilliance and attacking flair.

The implications of this loss extend beyond the immediate tournament, raising questions about France's long-term tactical development and the future leadership of the national team, while Spain advances with confidence into the final.