Spain have reached their first World Cup final since 2010 after a commanding 2-0 victory over France in the semi-final, and coach Luis de la Fuente believes his team is peaking at exactly the right moment. Goals from Mikel Oyarzabal, from the penalty spot, and Pedro Porro, with a well-worked team move, secured a comfortable win against a highly fancied French side that struggled to impose themselves on the game.
De la Fuente, who led Spain to the European Championship title in 2024, praised his squad for their performance but warned that there is still room for improvement. «This team is amazing,» he said after the match. «We are peaking at the right time. We have grown throughout the tournament, and we still need to improve. That is a good sign.»
The victory marks a remarkable turnaround for Spain, who began their World Cup campaign with a grim goalless draw against Cape Verde in the group stage. That result raised questions about their ability to compete with the tournament's top sides, but they have since grown in confidence and cohesion, culminating in a dominant semi-final display that left France chasing shadows for long periods.
France, the 2018 champions, were largely outplayed and failed to create clear chances. Captain Kylian Mbappé was unusually subdued and admitted after the game that his team had been lacking in key areas. «We were not good enough tactically, technically, or physically,» Mbappé said. «Spain were better than us in every department. They deserved to win.»
Spain will now face either England or Argentina in the final, scheduled for Sunday in New York. England face Argentina in the second semi-final in Atlanta on Wednesday night, with the Three Lions aiming to reach their first World Cup final since 1966. Argentina, the reigning champions, are seeking to defend the title they won in 2022.
The final promises to be a compelling contest regardless of the opponent. If England progress, it would set up a repeat of the Euro 2024 final, which Spain won 2-1 in Berlin. If Argentina advance, it would be a rematch of the 2022 World Cup group stage, where Argentina won 2-1, and the 2024 Copa América final, which Argentina also won.
De la Fuente said his team would prepare thoroughly for whichever opponent emerges. «We will watch the semi-final and analyse both teams,» he said. «We have respect for everyone, but we also have confidence in our own ability. We are in the final because we deserve to be.»
Spain's journey to the final has been built on a solid defensive foundation and an increasingly fluid attacking style. Against France, they controlled possession and created the better chances, with Oyarzabal converting a penalty after a handball in the box and Porro finishing a slick passing move in the second half. The performance drew praise from pundits and former players, who noted the team's tactical discipline and composure under pressure.
For France, the defeat ends their hopes of a third World Cup title and raises questions about the future of coach Didier Deschamps, who has been in charge since 2012. Deschamps acknowledged that Spain were the better side on the night. «We were outplayed,» he said. «Spain were more intense, more precise, and more organised. We have no excuses.»
Spain's success has been built on a blend of experienced players and emerging talent. Oyarzabal, a key figure in the Euro 2024 triumph, has been a consistent performer, while Porro has established himself as one of the tournament's standout full-backs. The team's depth has allowed De la Fuente to rotate his squad effectively, keeping players fresh for the knockout stages.
The final will be Spain's first appearance in a World Cup title match since they defeated the Netherlands 1-0 in Johannesburg in 2010. That victory, secured by an Andrés Iniesta goal in extra time, remains the high point of Spanish football history. De la Fuente said his players are determined to create their own legacy. «We are not thinking about history,» he said. «We are thinking about the next game. We want to win the World Cup for ourselves, for our families, and for our country.»
With the final now just days away, Spain will rest and prepare for what promises to be a historic occasion. De la Fuente's message to his squad is simple: stay focused, stay humble, and keep improving. If they do, they may well add another star to their crest.
