Spain coach Luis de la Fuente believes his team has rediscovered the spirit that led La Roja to their first FIFA World Cup title after defeating France in 2010 to reach the final of the 2026 tournament.

Spain beats tournament favorites France 2-0 in Dallas To book his second World Cup final on Tuesday. Speaking after the win, de la Fuente praised the unity, humility and selflessness within his team, saying that the current group reminds him of the team that conquered the world in South Africa 16 years ago.

france vs spain, FIFA World Cup 2026: highlighted

“The message was that we were up against one of the best teams in the world, but they were up against the best team in the world,” de la Fuente said.

“These players show commitment, togetherness and talent. They make the difficult look easy. They have talent and the right attitude towards life and the game.”

The Spain boss said what pleased him most was not just the performances on the field but the culture created by his players behind the scenes.

“I see a happy dressing room and a nation behind us. We have recaptured the spirit of 2010,” he said.

“The character of this team is evident in the fact that those who did not play stayed for training after the match.”

Spain’s Strategic Masterclass France’s star-studded attack was completely neutralizedWho had scored 16 goals before the semi-finals. Kylian Mbappe, Ousmane Dembele and Michel Olise all remained silent as France failed to register a single shot on target until after the 80th minute.

team first, egos last

De la Fuente attributed Spain’s success to the collective mentality within the team, and emphasized that each member of the group adopted a shared vision rather than chasing individual glory.

He said, “I believe the most important thing is to know how to choose your traveling companion. If you choose the wrong traveling companion, you can get into a problem.”

“We know that this team – not just the players, but everyone who makes up the team – works toward a common goal with equal enthusiasm, and we are normal, generous people who put the common good before our individual interests.”

Spain are now 37 matches unbeaten and have equaled Italy’s all-time international record, but De La Fuente believes his team are still a long way from their target.

He said, “This team never ceases to amaze me. The room for improvement is endless.”

“It was a labor of love, a process. It was about getting to the key moment in the best possible shape.”

One win from World Cup glory

Spain is now just one win away from its second victory FIFA World Cup The title and adding it to the UEFA Euro 2024 crown they won under de la Fuente.

The Spain coach admitted that he would have liked to meet Lionel Scaloni’s Argentina in the final because of their friendship, but he also praised England and described the second semi-final as a match that could decide the World Cup.

De la Fuente said, “I don’t believe in the idea that finals are to be won. They are to be enjoyed.”

“What’s to come may just be the icing on the cake.”

If Spain can produce another performance like the one that demolished France, de la Fuente’s team will have a chance to complete one of the finest eras in the country’s football history.

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