Luis de la Fuente Demands World Cup Trophy
Spain head coach Luis de la Fuente has insisted that reaching the 2026 FIFA World Cup final will mean little unless La Roja complete the job by lifting the trophy after eliminating France to move within one victory of global glory.
Spain booked their place in the final with a commanding 2-0 victory over France on Tuesday evening, securing a return to football’s biggest stage for the first time since winning the World Cup in South Africa in 2010.
La Roja made the perfect start when Mikel Oyarzabal calmly converted from the penalty spot after teenage sensation Lamine Yamal was brought down in the area by Lucas Digne.
Pedro Porro sealed the victory in the second half, scoring Spain’s second goal to send De la Fuente’s side into Sunday’s showpiece.
The result also carried historical significance. It marked Spain’s first-ever FIFA World Cup victory over France, having lost their only previous meeting at the tournament – a 3-1 defeat in the Round of 16 at the 2006 World Cup in Germany.
Spain are now chasing a second World Cup crown, having previously lifted the trophy in 2010 with a 1-0 victory over the Netherlands in Johannesburg.
Despite celebrating a famous win, De la Fuente stressed that his side’s mission remains unfinished.
“Before we left, we spoke as a group, and some of my colleagues reminded me of it today,” said the 65-year-old.
“Our message was that we were about to face one of the best national teams in the world, but they, in turn, were coming up against the best team in the world.
“That is the best way to neutralise any footballing approach your opponent may have. But it also requires organisation, balance, sacrifice, hard work, extraordinary footballing talent and an excellent understanding of every phase of the game.
“I have always said that, in my opinion, the Spanish footballer is the best in the world because of their understanding of the game. Spanish players know how to behave in attack, during the offensive phase and in defence.
“That is a tremendous achievement for Spanish football, its coaches, its teams and its clubs. We should truly appreciate what we have in Spain, and today’s performance was a perfect example of that.
“But let me say it again: although we are very happy, this team is not satisfied with reaching the final. We are going to fight, as we always do and as is expected of us, to try to win the FIFA World Cup. Achieving that would be something truly extraordinary.”
De la Fuente also paid tribute to the unwavering support of Spanish fans, admitting their encouragement has provided a significant boost to the squad throughout the tournament.
“First of all, I’d like to thank everyone because we truly feel the support,” he said.
“Even though we live in our own bubble during the tournament, that support still reaches us. We hear from our families and friends, and we also see a country united behind its national team, proud of this wonderful group of young players with extraordinary talent.
“That makes me feel incredibly proud and happy. Seeing an entire nation happy fills all of us in this delegation with pride. There is no greater joy than seeing other people happy.
“That is what motivates us and gives us energy. My message to everyone is: keep supporting us, keep pushing us forward because we need that encouragement.
“What lies ahead will be even more difficult, and we are already looking forward to playing in the World Cup final. Thank you.”
Spain will now turn their attention to Sunday’s final, where they will face either defending champions Argentina or England, who meet in the second semi-final on Wednesday evening with a place in the final at stake.
