Spain won a masterclass against France in the semi-finals, moving them one win away from winning their second World Cup.
Published July 15, 2026
Spain coach Luis de la Fuente said his country had revived the spirit of their 2010 World Cup victory after beating France 2-0 on Tuesday to reach the final and move one win away from a second world title.
Spain, who won the World Cup for the first time 16 years ago, scored 16 goals in the lead up to the semi-finals, neutralizing France’s attack, which was considered the most dangerous in the tournament.
Recommended stories
list of 4 itemsend of list
However, France failed to get a shot on target until after the 80th minute, missing out on a chance to advance to their third consecutive final.
Les Bleus, led by Kylian Mbappé, were the favorites to win in North America before the tournament.
“The message was that we’re playing against one of the best teams in the world, but they’re also playing against the best team in the world,” Delafuente said in a press conference.
“These players show dedication, cohesion and talent. They make difficult looks look easy. They are talented and have the right attitude towards life and sport.”
“I see a happy dressing room and a country behind us. We have regained the spirit of 2010,” he added, referring to Iker Casillas’ Spain, who won their first world title in South Africa 16 years ago.
“The character of this team is also evident in the fact that players who did not play in the game stayed and trained after the game.”
De la Fuente praised a team built on humility, common purpose and a lack of ego, saying Spain’s strength comes from everyone pulling in the same direction.
“I believe that the most important thing is to know how to choose your travel companions. Choosing the wrong travel companion can lead to problems,” he said.
“We know that this team, not just the players, but everyone who makes up the team, works toward a common goal with the same passion. And we are ordinary, generous people who pursue the common good over individual interests.”
Spain matched Italy’s 37-game unbeaten streak after winning Euro 2024, but coach de la Fuente said his players still had room to grow.
“This team never ceases to amaze me. There is endless room for improvement,” he said. “It was a labor of love and a process. It was important to arrive at the decisive moment in the best possible way.”
De la Fuente said he wanted to play Argentina in the final because of his friendship with manager Lionel Scaloni, but praised England and described the other semi-final as a match that “could easily have been a World Cup final”.
“I don’t believe in the idea that finals are about winning. They’re about having fun,” he said.
“What happens next could be the icing on the cake.”
