Spain
World Cup 2026
World Cup
analysis
As the players exited the dressing room in Arlington, Luis de la Fuente united his “I’ll tell them that this is a unique stage, the kind of moment that may never be repeated again, and that we have to be ourselves,” for a final motivational message before facing France in the World Cup semi-final. Having prepared for this moment for over 50 days, he emphasized the uniqueness of the occasion, stating, “We’re facing one of the best lineups in the world,” while asserting, “but we’re the best team in the world.”
When they returned to the field, Marc Cucurella’s exuberant shout captured the moment perfectly: “It was written: we started in Atlanta and we end in New York,” King Felipe also called De la Fuente, echoing similar sentiments with more decorum. As celebratory music filled the air and pizza was shared, some players reveled in the moment while others took it all in quietly. Dani Olmo remarked, “Take him out your pocket!” acknowledging the unexpected nature of such a semi-final.
Facing formidable opponents like Kylian Mbappé and Ousmane Dembélé, Spain’s confidence shone through. One player exclaimed, “I’m not into these ‘literary’ or ‘journalistic’ phrases. I’m made of different stuff. What we have done is very hard, why would we not be happy? I value the journey, what we have done. Only one team can win the World Cup and whatever happens this is a success.” while another encouraged, “It will be the game of our lives,” Lamine Yamal humorously responded with, “Centre-backs don’t like having to come to there,” Spain’s recent track record against France had been strong, having eliminated them in both the 2024 Euros and the 2025 Nations League semi-finals, leading to this impressive World Cup performance.
The statistics were telling: France had not been so limited in a semi-final since Sweden eight tournaments ago. This victory was not just about the scoreline; it was about the manner in which Spain dominated. The French team appeared disoriented, chasing a ball they knew they couldn’t reach, ultimately conceding any hopes of a final. On the sidelines, Spain’s players embraced, collectively celebrating a moment devoid of nerves or tension.
Rodri noted, “It was planned to be in our best shape at the most important moment,” When asked about the traditional caution against celebrating prematurely, De la Fuente, while respecting Luis Aragonés’ wisdom, affirmed the importance of acknowledging their achievement. “We know France, how dangerous they are, but we also knew how to deactivate them. But in the end, it’s down to the players. However much you tell them something, it’s down to them to know how to find the spaces. Your pieces of paper and all the arrows aren’t worth much without them. Spanish players are the best precisely because of that interpretation of football. We started four years ago and we have been faithful to an idea, which is what brought us here.” he said. “We said: ‘Back then could you ever have imagined being here?’”
Rodri described the match as “the game of our lives,” though it seemed they had already played it. France, once a powerhouse, struggled to find their rhythm, failing to register a shot on target until the final quarter. Their expected goals (xG) plummeted to 0.31, the lowest in their history, while Spain’s control led them to achieve a remarkable 1.7 xG.
In a duel between stars, Lamine Yamal edged out Mbappé once again, now with a striking 9-2 record in their encounters. However, the focus was not solely on individual brilliance. The narrative around Spain has often revolved around Yamal, but it is the collective effort that defines their success. De la Fuente and Rodri had emphasized the need for Yamal to stay calm and not succumb to pressure, demonstrating a tactical approach as well.
Every player contributed to this disciplined performance, including goalkeeper Unai Simón, who consistently confronted Mbappé. De la Fuente labeled Rodri as “made for our model,” highlighting his dominance in duels and passing accuracy. Olmo’s performance even drew praise from Juan Mata, who tweeted, “How he plays!” Pau Cubarsí, despite hailing from a small village without a football pitch, emerged as one of the standout center-backs of the tournament.
Cucurella notched two assists while Pedro Porro scored twice, showcasing the effectiveness of Spain’s attacking full-backs. They allowed fewer than 1.5 shots on target per match, demonstrating a solid defense. The build-up to Porro’s goal illustrated their tactical prowess, showcasing Spain’s ability to play out from tight situations. Mikel Oyarzabal, playing as a midfielder, was an integral part of this strategy. He explained, “Centre-backs don’t like having to come to there,” emphasizing the mechanics of their play.
As the match progressed, Spain found themselves right where they had envisioned being, even if others doubted them. De la Fuente noted, “It was planned to be in our best shape at the most important moment.” He acknowledged France’s threats but stressed their knowledge of how to neutralize them. Ultimately, the players’ instincts and understanding of the game were what mattered most. “Your pieces of paper and all the arrows aren’t worth much without them,” he added.
While Spain’s approach has evolved over time, reverting to a style of control reminiscent of earlier years, the foundation of competitiveness and commitment remains strong. De la Fuente shared a poignant moment with his players, recalling their past triumphs, asking, “Back then could you ever have imagined being here?”
Though the 2010 World Cup champions are often regarded as an unattainable ideal, this current generation, having achieved European glory, is now poised for World Cup success as well. De la Fuente consistently reminded everyone that Spain’s players are exceptional. Just before heading out onto the pitch, he reiterated this belief, ensuring they demonstrated their capabilities to the world.
