​Spain coach Luis de la Fuente says his side have already shown they can dethrone France and arrives in Texas for Tuesday’s World Cup semi-final in confident spirits. The Spaniards previously defeated the flying French 2-1 in the Euro 2024 semi-finals, a result that helped Spain go on to lift the trophy in Berlin. They also earned a victory over Les Bleus in the 2025 Nations League semi-final in a dramatic 5-4 win. “It’s fair to think we can beat France. We’re going to work hard for it. We’re the only team that has managed to beat them twice. A great team is going to face another great team,” the coach told reporters.
Spain’s prospects, however, are tempered by a sense that they may not be at their Euro 2024 peak. Lamine Yamal was hurried back from injury and did not look fully fit in Friday’s 2-1 quarter-final win over Belgium, while fellow winger Nico Williams has also been hampered by a knock. Substitute Mikel Merino has been crucial for late match winners against Portugal and Belgium. In contrast, France have been the form team of the tournament, delivering high-tempo attacking play and striking goals at a pace that has tested Spain’s defenses.
Despite these contrasts, De la Fuente maintains his side can topple the 2018 World Cup champions and 2022 finalists. “It’s the character of the team. It’s an honour to coach a squad so committed and eager to improve,” he said ahead of the Texas showdown. He emphasized that his players are focused, resilient, and ready to compete against one of football’s most storied rivalries.
The coach also highlighted the tactical discipline and tenacity that Spain have shown throughout the competition. He pointed to the team’s ability to adapt under pressure, maintain possession, and exploit space when opportunities arise. While France are lauded for their speed, technical acceleration, and clinical finishing, Spain have been working to balance their attacking intent with a solid defensive structure, aiming to frustrate Didier Deschamps’s side and strike on counter-attacks or through precise openings in the press.
De la Fuente’s comments also touched on the depth of his squad, with several players stepping up in key moments when called upon. He noted that the competition for places has driven players to maintain high standards and to push the team forward. The Spanish camp has increasingly focused on minimizing injuries and ensuring that the squad can sustain a high-intensity performance across the semi-final and potential final.
As the semi-final approaches, the atmosphere around the Spain camp remains focused and purposeful. The players are preparing to face a familiar foe in France, a team they have beaten twice in major competitions, but one that remains a formidable, world-class outfit. The result could hinge on factors such as the timing of substitutions, each team’s ability to press aggressively without overexposing themselves, and how well Spain can exploit the spaces behind France’s high line.
For Spain, success would mean not only a chance at the World Cup crown but also vindication that their style and character can prevail against one of the game’s most elite nations. For France, another clash with La Roja offers the opportunity to reaffirm their status as one of the sport’s most dangerous teams, continuing their bid for back-to-back titles and potential glory in their bid to lift the trophy again after triumphs in recent seasons.
Ultimately, De la Fuente’s message is clear: his side enter the semi-final confident in their abilities, believing they can defeat France again and that their collective strength, tactical discipline, and unwavering determination can carry them through to the final. The stage is set for a compelling clash in Texas, with Spain aiming to extend a remarkable streak against a French team that has been the standard-bearer for elite European football in this era.