Spain Coach Calls World Cup Semifinal vs. France a 'Final'; Yamal Feels No Pressure

Spain's national team coach, Luis de la Fuente, has characterized the upcoming FIFA World Cup 2026 semifinal clash against France as a "final." De la Fuente believes the caliber of the remaining four teams elevates every semifinal match to the level of a championship decider.

"This is a very tough match. This is a World Cup semifinal. I have already said that this match could be the World Cup final," De la Fuente stated, according to FIFA's official website. He highlighted the balanced strength among the semifinalists – Spain, France, Argentina, and England – all occupying the top four spots in the FIFA rankings. The coach emphasized the need for caution, minimizing errors, denying opponents opportunities, controlling the game, and being effective in both penalty boxes.

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This is a very tough match. This is a World Cup semifinal. I have already said that this match could be the World Cup final.

Despite facing a highly experienced French side, the atmosphere within the Spanish camp is reportedly one of enthusiasm rather than pressure. Lamine Yamal, the young prodigy of La Roja, shared his excitement for the biggest match of his career so far. "This is the most important match I have ever played in my career. I am very happy to have come this far. We are all very excited, and I am perhaps the most excited," said the 19-year-old player.

Yamal dismissed any notion that the pressure of the high-stakes game would weigh him down. The semifinal is scheduled to take place at Dallas Stadium in the United States on Wednesday, July 15, 2026, at 02:00 WIB. The other semifinal will feature Argentina against England the following day.

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This is the most important match I have ever played in my career. I am very happy to have come this far. We are all very excited, and I am perhaps the most excited.