Spain coach Luis de la Fuente says his team is “the best team in the world” after Spain beat France 2-0 in the 2026 World Cup semi-final to reach Sunday’s final. Multiple reports describe the semi-final as a major statement performance, with Spain scoring in both halves. Mikel Oyarzabal scores in the first half from a penalty, and Pedro Porro adds a goal later, securing the win and an advance to Spain’s first World Cup final since 2010. De la Fuente also frames the tie with France as “a final before the final,” saying Spain are fully focused on the semi-final opponent and are capable of beating any team.
Other outlets add that De la Fuente believes Spain are peaking at the right time and that, despite the convincing result, the team still needs to improve for the final. Spain had previously drawn a group-stage match against Cape Verde without scoring, according to one report, but then built momentum after progressing through the knockout rounds. Sources agree he is also making clear Spain have respect for France and their potential, while noting Spain have beaten France in past semi-finals.
