Spain coach Luis de la Fuente believes his side have rediscovered the spirit that carried La Roja to their maiden FIFA World Cup title in 2010 after brushing aside France to reach the final of the 2026 tournament.
Spain outclassed the tournament favourites France 2-0 in Dallas on Tuesday to book just their second-ever World Cup final. Speaking after the victory, De la Fuente hailed the unity, humility and selflessness within his squad, saying the current group reminds him of the team that conquered the world in South Africa 16 years ago.
France vs Spain, FIFA World Cup 2026: HIGHLIGHTS
“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,” De la Fuente said.
“These players show commitment, solidarity and talent. They make the difficult look easy. They have talent and the right attitude towards life and sport.”
The Spain boss said what pleased him most was not just the performance on the pitch but the culture his players have built behind the scenes.
“I see a happy dressing room and a nation behind us. We’ve recaptured the spirit of 2010,” he said.
“The character of this team is evident in the fact that those who didn’t play have stayed behind to train after the match.”
Spain’s tactical masterclass completely neutralised France’s star-studded attack, which had scored 16 goals before the semi-final. Kylian Mbappe, Ousmane Dembele and Michael Olise were all kept quiet as France failed to register a shot on target until after the 80th minute.
TEAM FIRST, EGOS LAST
De la Fuente credited Spain’s success to the collective mentality within the squad, insisting every member of the group has bought into a shared vision rather than chasing individual glory.
“I believe the most important thing is knowing how to choose your travelling companions. If you make the wrong choice of travelling companions, you could end up with a problem,” he said.
“We know that this team—not just the players, but everyone who makes up the squad—works towards a common goal, with the same enthusiasm, and we are ordinary, generous people who seek the common good before our own individual interests.”
Spain have now gone 37 matches unbeaten, equalling Italy’s all-time international record, but De la Fuente believes his side are still far from their ceiling.
“This team never ceases to amaze me. The scope for improvement is endless,” he said.
“It was a labour of love, a process. It was about reaching the crucial moment in the best possible shape.”
ONE WIN FROM WORLD CUP GLORY
Spain are now just one victory away from lifting their second FIFA World Cup title and adding it to the UEFA Euro 2024 crown they won under De la Fuente.
The Spain coach admitted he would love to meet Lionel Scaloni’s Argentina in the final because of their friendship, but also praised England, describing the second semi-final as a contest worthy of deciding the World Cup itself.
“I don’t believe in the idea that finals are there to be won. They’re there to be enjoyed,” De la Fuente said.
“What’s to come could be the icing on the cake.”
If Spain can produce one more performance like the one that dismantled France, De la Fuente’s side will have the chance to complete one of the finest eras in the nation’s football history.
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