Spain advanced to the World Cup final after a dominant performance against France in the semi-final held in Arlington. Coach Luis de la Fuente emphasized the uniqueness of the moment before the match, urging his squad to remain authentic and confident despite facing one of the world’s most talented teams. His message resonated throughout the game as Spain executed a disciplined and collective strategy to control the encounter.
Spain’s victory marked the third consecutive time they have eliminated France in a major tournament semi-final, following similar outcomes in the UEFA European Championship in 2024 and the Nations League in 2025. This match, however, was notable not only for the result but also for the manner in which Spain overwhelmed their opponents. The French team, featuring stars such as Kylian Mbappé, Ousmane Dembélé, and Michael Olise, struggled to create offensive opportunities, managing only a single shot on target in the final quarter of the game. France’s expected goals (xG) plummeted to 0.31, their lowest ever in the competition, while Spain maintained a defensive record of allowing just 0.6 xG and produced 1.7 xG themselves despite prioritizing control over aggressive attacking.
Individual performances highlighted Spain’s collective strength. Midfielder Rodri, described by de la Fuente as “made for our model,” led the duel count and completed more passes than any other player on the field. Young talent Lamine Yamal, just 19 years old, fulfilled his role with maturity, maintaining composure under pressure and contributing strategically to the team’s plan by minimizing risky plays. Full-backs Marc Cucurella and Pedro Porro also made significant contributions, combining for multiple assists and goals. Notably, goalkeeper Unai Simón repeatedly confronted Mbappé to disrupt French attacks.
Spain’s defense was anchored by Pau Cubarsí, whose effectiveness rivaled that of France’s Aymeric Laporte. Offensively, Mikel Oyarzabal’s unusual positioning as a midfielder created space and opportunities, illustrating the tactical flexibility underpinning Spain’s performance. With five goals, Oyarzabal became Spain’s top scorer at the tournament.
Following the match, De la Fuente emphasized the importance of the collective effort, rejecting the notion of withholding celebration until the final victory. He praised the team’s unity and resilience, highlighting how their shared mentality enabled individual talents to thrive while overcoming challenges together. The coach described the journey as a success regardless of the final outcome and expressed pride in the environment the team has fostered.
As Spain prepares for the final, the squad reflects a blend of individual skill and cohesive teamwork that has defined their World Cup campaign. Their performance against France not only secured a place in the final but also reinforced the strength of their collective approach on football’s biggest stage.