Spain advanced to the 2026 World Cup semifinals after a tense match against Belgium. Luis de la Fuente praised the squad's resilience and collective effort. The coach also addressed the upcoming clash with France.
Spain clinched a place in the 2026 World Cup semifinals following a tense and hard-fought victory over Belgium at SoFi Stadium. The national team, led by Luis de la Fuente, once again relied on a decisive late goal from Mikel Merino to secure the win. The result not only keeps Spain's title hopes alive but also underscores the squad's ability to perform under pressure in critical moments.
Immediately after the final whistle, Luis de la Fuente shared his thoughts in a flash interview with La1, expressing pride in his players' determination and adaptability. He emphasized that the team's character shines through regardless of the circumstances, and highlighted the importance of collective work over individual achievements. According to de la Fuente, Spain had created enough chances to win more comfortably, but the difficulty of securing victories at this level should not be underestimated.
De la Fuente singled out Mikel Merino for special praise, describing him as a world-class talent capable of playing for any top team. The coach noted that Merino consistently delivers when called upon, and considered it a privilege to have such a player in the squad. He also referenced the depth of quality within the team, mentioning the contributions of players like Pedri and Fabián, and stressed that every member understands their role and the value of teamwork.
During the post-match press conference, de la Fuente began by offering condolences to the victims of the Almería fire and to the family of team photographer Ángel Martínez, whose mother passed away during the match. He reiterated that the focus remains on the group as a whole, rather than individual decisions or lineups, and explained that tactical changes—such as bringing on Pedri for Fabián—were made to inject fresh energy at key moments.
Looking ahead, de la Fuente addressed the looming semifinal against France, acknowledging the challenge but expressing confidence in Spain's preparation. He pointed out that Spain is the only team to have beaten France twice in consecutive matches, and expects both sides to approach the encounter with mutual respect and high expectations. The coach insisted that reaching this stage is not enough, and that the team is determined to push further.
When asked about the impact of his decisions and the mood within the squad, de la Fuente dismissed concerns about player frustration, stating that the group is composed of top professionals who understand their responsibilities. He credited the team's calmness and discipline to the players' understanding of their tasks and their exceptional talent, adding that his own composure on the sidelines helps maintain stability during high-pressure situations.
Spain's unbeaten run in major tournaments now extends to 13 matches, a streak de la Fuente attributes to the dedication of his players and staff. He expressed gratitude for the opportunity to lead such a committed group, emphasizing that success is the result of collective effort rather than individual brilliance.
The upcoming semifinal against France has generated significant anticipation, with both teams seen as strong contenders for the title. As previously reported, Spain will face France on July 14 in New York, with the match broadcast live on La 1. The winner will move one step closer to the final, as detailed in this earlier coverage.
Spain's progress in the tournament has reinforced the importance of depth, adaptability, and unity within the squad. The team's ability to respond to adversity and deliver results in high-stakes situations has become a defining feature of their campaign. With the semifinal approaching, attention now turns to how Spain will approach one of the most challenging fixtures of the competition, and whether their collective strength can carry them to the final.
For context, the 2026 World Cup has seen several dramatic finishes and unexpected outcomes, with Spain's journey marked by late goals and tactical flexibility. The national team's consistent performance under de la Fuente has positioned them as one of the standout sides of the tournament, and their upcoming clash with France is widely regarded as a highlight of the competition. The outcome will not only determine a finalist but could also shape the narrative of Spanish football for years to come.
