Spain manager Luis de la Fuente has declared he is fully convinced his side can beat France when the two nations meet in the FIFA World Cup 2026 semi-final.

La Roja reached the last four courtesy of a dramatic late winner from substitute Mikel Merino in the 88th minute against Belgium at SoFi Stadium. That Belgian goal was the only one Spain conceded throughout the entire tournament. France, by contrast, have been ruthless in front of goal, scoring 16 times across their six matches.

Unbeaten and unafraid

De la Fuente's belief is grounded in a remarkable run of form. Spain head into this blockbuster encounter on an unbeaten streak of 37 consecutive competitive matches stretching back to March 2023 — a sequence that includes only one blemish: a penalty shootout defeat to Portugal in last year's Nations League final.

The Spain manager acknowledged France's quality, describing the upcoming contest as a "final before the final," yet he insists that La Roja's tactical flexibility and momentum give them every reason to fancy their chances against one of the tournament's heavyweights.

"Let me be clear: We are not finished. We are going to work to try to overcome France, but they will be just as worried, as we've shown we're the only team in the world capable of beating them in two consecutive matches," de la Fuente said.

France's pedigree vs Spain's momentum

France have appeared in the last two World Cup finals, lifting the trophy in 2018, and arrive in this semi-final as one of the most dangerous attacking sides in the competition. Spain, by comparison, have reached only one World Cup final in their history — though the current generation has made a compelling case for being the most consistent side in world football over the past two years.

De la Fuente's conviction is clear: Spain are not in awe of France. With their defensive solidity, tactical intelligence, and a squad brimming with confidence, La Roja believe they have what it takes to end France's run and march towards the final.