Spain coach Luis de la Fuente hailed his side as the world’s best after a 2-0 victory over France secured a place in the 2026 FIFA World Cup final.
Spain head coach Luis de la Fuente declared his side the best team in the world after they produced a dominant 2-0 victory over France to book their place in the 2026 FIFA World Cup final. The win leaves La Roja just one victory away from lifting their second World Cup trophy.
Spain, who won their first and only World Cup in 2010, delivered a commanding performance against one of the tournament’s most feared attacking teams. France, who had scored 16 goals before the semi-final, were restricted to just one shot on target, which did not arrive until after the 80th minute.
Speaking after the match, De la Fuente said his players embraced the challenge of facing one of football’s elite nations. “The message was that we were up against one of the best teams in the world, but that they were up against the best team in the world,” the Spain boss told reporters.
🔚 Nos Bleus s’inclinent face à l’Espagne en demi-finale de la Coupe du monde, et joueront le match pour la 3e place samedi 18 juillet.
🇫🇷0-2🇪🇸 #FRAESP | #FIFAWorldCup pic.twitter.com/FlH30jcfeR
— Equipe de France ⭐⭐ (@equipedefrance) July 14, 2026
The coach praised the mentality of his squad, insisting their success has been built on commitment, togetherness and talent. He also revealed that the atmosphere in the dressing room reminded him of Spain’s historic triumph in South Africa 16 years ago.
“I see a happy dressing room and a nation behind us. We’ve recaptured the spirit of 2010,” De la Fuente said. He also highlighted the dedication within the group, pointing out that players who were not involved in the semi-final remained behind after the game to continue training.
De la Fuente believes Spain’s greatest strength lies in the unity of the entire squad rather than individual brilliance. According to the manager, every member of the team shares the same objective and puts collective success ahead of personal ambition.
The victory also saw Spain equal Italy’s record of 37 consecutive unbeaten matches, but the coach insisted his players are still far from reaching their full potential. He described the team’s rise as a carefully planned process that has peaked at exactly the right moment.
Looking ahead to the final, De la Fuente admitted he would enjoy facing Argentina because of his friendship with Lionel Scaloni, while also praising England and describing the other semi-final as a contest worthy of the World Cup final itself. “I don’t believe finals are there to be won. They’re there to be enjoyed,” he said, adding that lifting the trophy would be the perfect finishing touch to Spain’s remarkable campaign.
