Tennis icon Rafael Nadal took to social media to celebrate Spain’s historic 2-0 victory over France in the FIFA World Cup 2026 semifinal. The win propels La Roja into their second-ever World Cup final, where they will face either Argentina or England at New York New Jersey Stadium on Sunday.
What happened in the match?
Spain dominated France with a clinical performance at Dallas Stadium on July 14, 2026. Mikel Oyarzabal opened the scoring from the penalty spot, while Pedro Porro sealed the victory with a second-half goal. Porro’s standout performance earned him Player of the Match honors.
France, led by Kylian Mbappe, threatened early but failed to capitalize. Spain’s defense, anchored by goalkeeper Unai Simon and defender Marc Cucurella, held firm. Oyarzabal’s penalty made him the sixth Spanish player to reach 30 international goals, joining legends like David Villa and Fernando Torres.
Why did Rafael Nadal react?
Nadal, a proud Spaniard, has always been vocal about supporting his national teams. His congratulatory message on X reflected his excitement: "To the World Cup final! @FIFAWorldCup CONGRATULATIONS @SEFutbol!" The tennis star’s support highlights the unity of Spanish sports culture.
What’s next for Spain?
Spain will now prepare for the final against either Argentina or England. Their only previous World Cup triumph came in 2010, when Andres Iniesta scored the winning goal against the Netherlands. This time, they aim to add another chapter to their football legacy.
France, meanwhile, will play in the third-place playoff on July 15, 2026. Mbappe will have another chance to boost his Golden Boot campaign.