Spain vs France Semi Final Is a Final Before the Final, Says De la Fuente

Spain head coach Luis de la Fuente has described the 2026 FIFA World Cup semi final clash against France as a “final before the final,” insisting that his team has the quality and confidence to overcome one of the tournament favourites.

De la Fuente’s side booked their place in the last four after a dramatic 2 1 victory over Belgium in the quarter final, with Mikel Merino scoring a late winner to send Spain into the semi final stage.

The victory continued Spain’s impressive run at the tournament and set up a heavyweight European showdown with France, a team widely regarded as one of the strongest squads in world football.

Speaking ahead of the encounter, De la Fuente said the meeting with France represents the type of match every footballer wants to play, describing it as a contest that carries the intensity and importance of a final.

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The Spanish coach expressed confidence in his players, insisting that Spain will not approach the match with fear despite France’s reputation, star power, and recent success on the international stage.

Spain’s confidence has been boosted by their recent history against France, having defeated Les Bleus in the semi final of Euro 2024 before lifting the European championship title.

The upcoming semi final will renew a growing rivalry between the two European giants, with both teams possessing squads filled with world class players and strong tactical identities.

Spain have impressed throughout the tournament with their possession based style, technical quality in midfield, and the attacking threat of teenage sensation Lamine Yamal, who has emerged as one of the standout players of the competition.

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De la Fuente has repeatedly praised Yamal’s maturity, work rate, and ability to influence major matches, while emphasising that Spain’s success has been built on teamwork rather than individual brilliance alone.

France, meanwhile, enter the semi final after another strong tournament performance, maintaining their status as one of the leading contenders for the World Cup trophy.

The French team, managed by Didier Deschamps, will rely on their physical strength, defensive organisation, and attacking quality as they seek another appearance in the World Cup final.

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For Spain, the match represents an opportunity to move closer to winning their second World Cup title since their historic triumph in 2010, while France are aiming to continue their dominance in recent major international competitions.

Football pundits expect a tactical battle between two teams with different strengths, as Spain’s control and passing game goes up against France’s pace, power, and individual quality.

The winner of the semi final will secure a place in the 2026 FIFA World Cup final and take another step towards lifting football’s most prestigious trophy.

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