Spain reach 2026 World Cup final: De La Fuente says team recaptured 2010 spirit
Synopsis
Spain are back in a World Cup final for the first time since they lifted the trophy in 2010 — and their coach believes they have genuinely rediscovered that spirit. A 2-0 win over a Mbappe-led France, built on penalty-box composure and collective discipline, was no accident: De la Fuente says it was four years in the making, timed to peak exactly here.
Key Takeaways
Spain beat France 2-0 in Arlington, Texas on 15 July to reach the 2026 FIFA World Cup final .
Mikel Oyarzabal scored a 22nd-minute penalty; Pedro Porro added a second before the hour.
Spain's final appearance is their first since winning the tournament in 2010 — a gap of 16 years .
Coach Luis de la Fuente credited a four-year plan and collective team spirit for the result.
King Felipe VI telephoned the dressing room to congratulate the squad.
Spain face either England or Argentina in Sunday's final at New York New Jersey Stadium .
Spain coach Luis de la Fuente declared that La Roja have rediscovered the winning spirit of their 2010 World Cup triumph after a commanding 2-0 victory over France in Arlington, Texas on 15 July booked their place in the FIFA World Cup 2026 final — Spain's first such appearance in 16 years. The win sets up a title showdown at New York New Jersey Stadium on Sunday against either England or Argentina.
How Spain Sealed the Win
Mikel Oyarzabal broke the deadlock from the penalty spot in the 22nd minute, and Pedro Porro doubled the advantage just before the hour mark to put the result beyond doubt. Spain's disciplined, organised display effectively neutralised a France attack marshalled by Kylian Mbappe, with De la Fuente crediting collective sacrifice over individual brilliance for the outcome.
De La Fuente: 'We Are Unbeatable as a Team'
'We started almost four years ago with an idea and we've been faithful to that idea and it's brought us here,' De la Fuente said after the match. 'Today we faced one of the best national teams in the world, but in front of them they had the best team in the world. That is different.'
The 65-year-old coach added that Spain's rise has been deliberate and phased. 'We keep improving from one match to the next, from one competition to the next. It was all planned for us to reach these key moments in the best shape possible, and I think we are in great shape now,' he said. 'In terms of our football, we have reached our peak at the right moment after a long season.'
King Felipe VI Calls the Dressing Room
De la Fuente revealed that King Felipe VI telephoned the dressing room to personally congratulate the squad. 'It is such a pride that our king called us and continues to support us,' the coach said. 'We are responsible for the joy people are feeling in the streets. This generation of players has such a great attitude, and they are role models for so many values.'
Individual Brilliance, Collective Identity
De la Fuente singled out midfielder Rodri as the 'backbone' of the side and described Dani Olmo as 'a genius in his position,' but was emphatic that no single player transcends the group. 'What is important here is the team, and that is how they understand it. Every individual works for the benefit of the group,' he said. Notably, De la Fuente pointed to an unusual marker of team spirit — players who did not feature in the semi-final stayed on the pitch to train after the final whistle.
One Step Remains
Despite the euphoria, De la Fuente was measured about what lies ahead. 'We have one more step, the last one, the toughest one. We want to win this World Cup and lift the trophy,' he said. Asked about Sunday's final against England or Argentina, he added: 'We will welcome either of them with open arms.' Spain now stand 90 minutes away from their second World Cup title in 16 years.
Point of View
France being the latest. Yet the real test of this Spain generation is whether they can replicate 2010's finishing act, not just its spirit. Winning a semi-final against Mbappe's France is one thing; closing out a final against England's defensive structure or Argentina's streetwise experience is another. If they do lift the trophy, De la Fuente's four-year project will rank among the most methodically executed international coaching jobs in modern football.
NationPress
15 Jul 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
How did Spain reach the 2026 FIFA World Cup final?
Spain defeated France 2-0 in the semi-final in Arlington, Texas on 15 July 2026. Mikel Oyarzabal scored a 22nd-minute penalty and Pedro Porro added a second goal before the hour to secure the win.
When is Spain's next match in the 2026 World Cup?
Spain play the 2026 FIFA World Cup final on Sunday at New York New Jersey Stadium. Their opponents will be either England or Argentina, the winners of the other semi-final.
What did Luis de la Fuente say after Spain's win over France?
De la Fuente said Spain had 'recaptured the spirit of 2010' and that the team had peaked at the right moment after four years of deliberate planning. He also praised the collective attitude of the squad and revealed that King Felipe VI called the dressing room to congratulate the players.
Who were the standout players for Spain against France?
Coach De la Fuente described midfielder Rodri as the 'backbone' of the team and called Dani Olmo 'a genius in his position.' However, he emphasised the collective effort, noting that even unused substitutes stayed behind to train after the match.
How long has it been since Spain last reached a World Cup final?
Spain's 2026 final appearance is their first since 2010, when they won the tournament — a gap of 16 years. Their 2-0 semi-final win over France ended that long wait.
