Pedro Porro was one of the figures in the victory of Spain 2-0 over France in the semifinals of the 2026 World Cup. The right back had an outstanding performancewas decisive in both defense and attack and was chosen best player of the match, thereby contributing decisively to the Spanish team securing its ticket to the final.
From the start of the match, played in a packed stadium with a spectacular atmosphere, Spain showed personality and control of the ball against a French team that arrived as one of the favorites for the title. The group led by Luis de la Fuente imposed his style of play, pressing high, closing spaces and preventing the main French figures from finding comfort on the field.
Pedro Porro was a key piece in that approach. In addition to doing outstanding defensive work on the right flank, where he controlled France’s offensive incursions, the winger represented a constant danger in attack thanks to his additions. His effort was rewarded when he scored one of Spain’s goals, a decisive score to guide qualification to the final..
After the match, the Spanish footballer revealed that the goal had a special meaning, since he dedicated it to his son, who could not attend the stadium due to health problems. “A mix of emotions, because he couldn’t be here and his dad just scored the goal, to be able to dedicate it to him and surely tomorrow he will be a little better,” exhibited in the mixed zone.
The game was contested for much of the first half. France tried to react with dangerous arrivals led by their attackers, but found themselves with a solid Spanish defense and a compact block that barely conceded clear opportunities. Spain took advantage of its moments better, showed efficiency in the final meters, took advantage on the scoreboard and managed the result intelligently.
Porro also explained that a large part of his family could not accompany him in the stadium during one of the most important nights of his career, although he felt everyone’s support from a distance. “I wanted to look at the stands, there was only my wife, my father-in-law and my physio, my parents and children are not there. I know that all of Spain, all of Extremadura and my family who are there are supporting me from the TV. It would not have been possible without them”, he added.
The defender, established as a fundamental piece in the Spanish team’s scheme during the World Cup, highlighted the confidence he has always had in his abilities and valued the support received from the coaching staff and his teammates. “I believe a lot in myself. I don’t have to prove anything to anyone. I know what I’ve been working on, with humility, since I was very little. I couldn’t even in my wildest dreams imagine doing this World Cup that I’m doing. It’s also thanks to my teammates and the ‘coach’, with the trust that has given me since I made my debut in the U-21 and I am very happy about that,” he remembered.
⭐️ Pedro Porro, the MVP of the night
❤️🩹 His goal and a very special dedication
📽️ @martinezferran pic.twitter.com/ZLD6KoVKMW
— Mundo Deportivo (@mundodeportivo) July 14, 2026
In addition to the offensive contribution, Porro highlighted Spain’s defensive work against a French team that had several figures in attack. La Roja kept their clean sheet by neutralizing the French attempts during the 90 minutes and had one of their most complete performances of the tournament.
The Spanish team dominated several sections of the match, controlled possession when necessary and knew how to suffer in moments of greatest pressure to seal their qualification for the World Cup final. “Very happy because we kept a clean sheet. We knew it was an important game in that regard. “I think that mainly we had to strengthen the defense, because we know that France has very good players and very happy, because the team was very good both defensively and attacking and this belongs to everyone,” declared.
Porro’s performance was recognized by the organization as the best of the game, thanks to his physical display, his influence in both areas and his leadership on the field of play. His performance confirmed the great moment he is going through during the World Cup, where he has been one of the most outstanding footballers of the Spanish team.
18 passes from goal to goal, assist and goal from Porro for 0-2.
Nothing more to add. pic.twitter.com/thzs62KV08
— Alvaro Gotxi (@agotxi) July 15, 2026
Now, Spain awaits a rival for the World Cup final, which will come from the duel between Argentina and England. However, Porro assured that in the squad there is no preference for any opponent and that the priority will be to arrive in the best conditions for the match that will define the next world champion.
“At this point when you reach this World Cup, any team is one of the best in the world. It will also be a great semifinal this Wednesday and I wish the best for both of them. We are focused on recovering whoever comes and we will see each other in the final”.
With a memorable performance against France, a goal dedicated to his son, outstanding defensive work and recognition as best player of the match, Pedro Porro established himself as one of the protagonists of the Spanish team in the 2026 World Cup and will seek to crown his tournament with the title in the final.