Spain’s right-back delivered when it mattered most. Pedro Porro scored and was named Player of the Match in Spain’s 2-0 win over France in the World Cup 2026 semifinal at AT&T Stadium in Arlington. He played 84 minutes, mixed attacking intent with clean defending, and finished with an 8.1 Sofascore Rating. It sends Spain through to the final with a performance built on both end product and control.

Right-back on the scoresheet

Porro needed only two shots to influence the semifinal. He hit the target once, scored once, and added one effort off target. His chance quality backed it up, with 0.535 expected goals and 0.6088 expected goals on target. The finish was the headline moment, but his movement and timing kept France guessing throughout the first half.

He touched the ball 48 times and repeatedly joined attacks from deep. Nine ball carries added 60.08 meters in total carry distance and 18.42 meters of total progression. One progressive carry stood out at 8.10 meters, underlining the direct runs that Spain looked for on the right. He lost possession seven times, a fair trade for the territory he gained. Spain’s second period management was calmer, and Porro’s work off the ball remained sharp until his substitution on 84 minutes.

Composed with the ball

Spain’s buildup asked for security and Porro provided it. He completed 23 of 28 passes, balancing 13 of 15 in his own half with 10 of 13 in opposition territory. His long distribution was selective, going 1 of 3 on long balls as Spain preferred to play through midfield. The pass value numbers were modest by design, with a 0.01 pass value normalized as Spain protected their lead.

He also offered a touch of creation from wide areas. Expected assists measured at 0.013, reflecting a tidy but low-risk final ball. The dribble value normalized hit 0.32, showing value in carrying rather than forcing the final pass. When the ball did break Spain’s way, Porro kept the tempo steady and chose simple options. It was the kind of possession profile coaches lean on in knockout football.

Duels and defensive work

The post-match graphic highlighted six defensive contributions, and the raw line backed that resilience. Porro won 4 of 6 duels and came out on top in both of his aerial contests. He posted three clearances and one interception, reading France’s direct play at key moments. Two tackles were attempted and one was won as he stayed on his feet and delayed rather than dived in.

There was also one ball loss under pressure and one challenge lost, but his recovery speed helped Spain reset. Three ball recoveries nudged Spain back upfield after turnovers. With France chasing, Porro’s positioning narrowed the lane for crosses to the far post. The defensive value normalized checked in at 0.21, a neat summary of steady contributions across several phases. It was tidy, unfussy defending that fitted the game state.

World Cup run by the numbers

Zooming out, Porro’s tournament has been quietly excellent. Across five appearances and 444 minutes, he owns a 7.52 average Sofascore Rating and two goals. He has completed 233 of 262 passes for 88.93 percent accuracy, including 134 accurate passes in the opposition half. Nine key passes and six accurate crosses from 18 attempts speak to balanced output on the flank.

Defensively, he has won 27 total duels at a 61.36 percent clip and 9 of 12 tackles for 75 percent. Aerial strength also shows up, with 6 wins at 85.71 percent. Add 11 clearances, six interceptions, and 23 ball recoveries, and the profile looks complete. The physical data supports the picture too, with 39 kilometers covered, a top speed of 32.84 km/h, and one Team of the Week appearance. For a Tottenham Hotspur full-back operating on the international stage, it is form that travels well.

For fans tracking every carry, duel and pass, Sofascore has all the event pages, live momentum, and heat maps you need. Spain move on with a two-goal win, and Porro’s mix of end product and control was central to it. If this level holds in the final, Spain’s right side will remain a strength.