Lamine Yamal had warned that France should fear Spain, and after 90 minutes, the teenager had backed up every word. It was probably one of the most shocking results of the tournament, not necessarily because of the scoreline, but more because of how things played out.

Spain produced another masterclass of control and composure to defeat France 2-0 in Arlington on Tuesday, booking a place in the FIFA World Cup final for the first time since lifting the trophy in South Africa 16 years ago. Goals from Mikel Oyarzabal and Pedro Porro capped a performance that once again showcased why Luis de la Fuente's side has become the tournament's benchmark.

For France, it was a frustrating end to a campaign that had promised so much. Led by Kylian Mbappé and boasting one of the tournament's most explosive attacks, Les Bleus arrived having scored 16 goals in six matches. Against Spain, however, they found almost no space to breathe and create any chances.

The breakthrough for Spain came midway through the first half, and it was created by the player who has spent the last month rewriting expectations. A day after turning 19, Yamal pounced on a loose touch from Lucas Digne inside the penalty area, cleverly nicking the ball away before the French defender clipped him. After a brief check confirmed the challenge, Oyarzabal calmly sent Mike Maignan the wrong way from the spot for his fifth goal of the tournament.

France struggled to respond. Spain's midfield dictated the rhythm, patiently circulating possession while denying Mbappé and company opportunities to attack in transition. Whenever France threatened to break, Spain's defensive structure quickly smothered the danger, with Unai Simón sweeping confidently behind the back line and Marc Cucurella delivering another standout defensive display.

The match was effectively settled just before the hour mark through a move that encapsulated Spain's fluid style of play. Dani Olmo exchanged passes with the overlapping Pedro Porro, whose perfectly timed run split the French defense before the right back tucked a composed finish into the bottom corner.

Yamal thought he had added a third moments later after weaving behind France's back line, but a tight offside decision denied the Barcelona star what would have been another defining World Cup moment.

France threw on fresh attacking options in search of a comeback, but Spain never looked rattled. Mbappé, who entered the semifinal level atop the Golden Boot race, was limited to speculative efforts and never truly influenced the contest as Spain's relentless pressing and disciplined defending continued to choke off passing lanes.

The clean sheet was Spain's sixth in seven matches, underlining the balance that has defined their run to the final. While Yamal and Olmo have supplied the flair and incisiveness up top, the foundation has been a defense that has allowed virtually nothing all tournament.

For De la Fuente, the victory was further validation of a project built on patience and identity. Spain have now eliminated France in three consecutive major tournament semifinals and extended their unbeaten run in regular time to 37 matches.

One hurdle now remains. Whether it's Argentina or England awaiting in New Jersey, Spain will arrive as deserved favorites.