Read for 2 minutes11 Jul 2026 02:29 PM IST
A heavyweight clash awaits at the FIFA World Cup 2026, with European giants France and Spain battling it out for a place in the finals. Spain sealed their place in the quarter-finals with a 2-1 win over Belgium courtesy of Mikel Merino’s late winner.
Spanish coach Luis de la Fuente appeared confident ahead of the clash against a French side who advanced to their third consecutive semi-final. De la Fuente admitted that facing a strong team like France will be a big task, but Les Bleus will be just as concerned about his side.
“I’m sure France are as worried as we are. Remember we beat them in two games in a row. These are two incredible teams,” said de la Fuente.
France were knocked out by Spain in the semi-finals of Euro 2024 and the Spanish have won their last two matches against the French.
Spanish teenage wonderkid Lamine Yamal also issued a warning, saying that if Kylian Mbappe’s side were to fear anyone at this World Cup, it would be Spain.
“No team played us on equal terms. They all stayed behind, it made it more difficult, but we won… I think if France is afraid of anyone, it’s us. We knocked them out of Euro 2024,” Yamal said.
In 2018, France won their second World Cup by defeating Croatia in the final. They reached the summit again in 2022, but were overtaken by an inspired Argentina team led by Lionel Messi.
Story continues below this ad
Yamal said that Spain and France are the two best teams in this World Cup and insisted that his side is not afraid of anyone.
“We have beaten them twice. Honestly, I think we are the two best teams in the World Cup. Obviously, we are two amazing teams. For me, these are the two best teams in the World Cup. We will see what happens, but we are not scared at all,” he said.