Spain national team coach Luis de la Fuente said his team is peaking at the right time after their 2-0 victory over France in the 2026 World Cup semifinals taking the team nicknamed La Roja to their first final since lifting the trophy at the 2010 World Cup.
Mikel Oyarzabal opened the scoring for Spain from the penalty spot in the 22nd minute, before Pedro Porro doubled the lead just before the hour mark, as Spain defeated one of the title favorites in Dallas.
Rodri #16 of Spain avoids a tackle from Michael Olise of France. (Xinhua/Chen Yichen)
Speaking after the match, De la Fuente revealed that King Felipe VI had called the Spain squad in the dressing room to congratulate the team.
"It's an honor for us that the King called and continues to support us," said De la Fuente. "We are responsible for the joy people feel in the streets. This generation of players has a great attitude, and they are role models for so many values."
The 65-year-old coach said Tuesday's performance was the result of a well-thought-out plan to build momentum throughout the tournament.
"We're constantly improving from one match to the next, from one competition to the next. It's all been planned so we can reach these crucial moments in the best possible condition, and I think we're in very good shape right now," he said.
"We may be facing one of the best national teams in the world. But they're also facing the best team, the best group of players in the world," he said. "We're a team, and when we face a team like that, we're unbeatable. That's how we feel right now."
