FRANCE LOST TO ‘THE BEST TEAM IN THE WORLD’, SAYS SPAIN’S DE LA FUENTE
After a commanding 2-0 victory over France in the semi-finals of the 2026 World Cup, Spain’s manager Luis de la Fuente was optimistic, stating that his team had revived the spirit of their 2010 World Cup triumph. This win not only advanced Spain to the final but also positioned them just one victory away from capturing their second global title.
Spain, who previously secured their first World Cup 16 years ago, displayed remarkable defensive strategies, effectively neutralizing a French attack that had scored an impressive 16 goals prior to this match, and was considered one of the most formidable in the tournament. Notably, France did not register a shot on target until after the 80-minute mark, a testament to Spain’s dominance on the field.
During a post-match press conference, De la Fuente emphasized the level of competition they faced, asserting: “The message was that we were up against one of the best teams in the world, but they were also up against the best team in the world.” He lavished praise upon his squad, highlighting their commitment, solidarity, and innate talent, which made complex plays appear effortless. He remarked on the positive atmosphere within the team, indicating that even those who didn’t play remained behind to train after the game, showcasing the character and unity of his players.
De la Fuente delineated the foundation of Spain’s success as being rooted in humility, collective intent, and a lack of egos within the squad. He articulated the importance of selecting the right companions for the journey, saying, “If you make the wrong choice of travelling companions, you could end up with a problem.” He affirmed that their unified goal invigorated everyone involved, emphasizing that they prioritize the collective good over individual ambitions.
Following their victory at Euro 2024, Spain has now matched Italy’s record of 37 consecutive unbeaten matches. However, De la Fuente maintained that there remains ample opportunity for growth among his players, expressing surprise at their continual evolution. “This team never ceases to amaze me. The scope for improvement is endless,” he added. “It was a labour of love, a process. It was about reaching the crucial moment in the best possible shape.”
Looking ahead, De la Fuente voiced a desire to face Argentina in the final, fueled by his close friendship with their manager, Lionel Scaloni. He also praised England, referring to their semi-final matchup as a potential clash that “could easily be the World Cup final.” He remarked, “I don’t believe in the idea that finals are there to be won. They’re there to be enjoyed,” suggesting that the upcoming match holds significant anticipation.
FIFA WORLD CUP 2026
The 2026 World Cup is scheduled to take place from June 11th to July 19th across the United States, Canada, and Mexico. This edition of the tournament sees an exciting expansion to 48 national teams competing in 16 modern stadiums.
