This story was prepared by Al Jazeera staff and Reuters.

The victory sends Spain to the final, leaving them one win away from a second World Cup title.

Published On 15 Jul 202615 Jul 2026

Spain ‌manager Luis de la Fuente said his side had revived the spirit of their 2010 ⁠World Cup triumph after ⁠a commanding 2-0 win over France on Tuesday sent them into the final and left them one victory away from a second world title.

Spain, which won its first World Cup 16 years ago, managed to stifle a France attack that had scored 16 goals before the semifinal and was deemed one of the tournament's most dangerous.

Recommended Stories

list of 4 items

end of list

France failed to get a shot on goal until after the 80th minute, squandering the chance to reach a third straight final.

Spain’s Pedro Porro and Marc Cucurella celebrate after the match
Spain’s Pedro Porro and Marc Cucurella celebrate after the match [Maria Lysaker/Imagn Images via Reuters]

Spearheaded by Kylian Mbappe, Les Blues were the pre-tournament favourites in North America.

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

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

“I see a happy dressing room and a nation behind us. We’ve recaptured the spirit of 2010,” he added, referring to Iker Casillas-led Spain that lifted their maiden world title in South Africa 16 years ago.

“The character of this team is evident in the fact that those who didn’t play have stayed behind to train after the match.”

Spain's goalkeeper Iker Casillas (C) raises the trophy as Spain's national football team players celebrate with FIFA President Sepp Blatter (5thR) and South Africa’s President Jacob Zuma (4thR) winning the 2010 World Cup football final Netherlands vs. Spain on July 11, 2010 at Soccer City stadium in Soweto, suburban Johannesburg. NO PUSH TO MOBILE / MOBILE USE SOLELY WITHIN EDITORIAL ARTICLE - AFP PHOTO / GABRIEL BOUYS (Photo by GABRIEL BOUYS / AFP)
Goalkeeper Iker Casillas, centre, raises the trophy as Spain’s players celebrate winning the 2010 FIFA World Cup [File: Gabriel Bouys/AFP]

De la Fuente praised a squad he said had been built on humility, shared purpose and the absence of egos, saying Spain’s strength came from everyone moving in the same direction.

“I believe ⁠the most important thing is knowing how to choose your travelling companions. ⁠If you make the wrong choice of travelling companions, you could end up with a problem,” he said.

“We know that this team – not just the players, but everyone who makes up the squad – works towards a common goal, with the same ⁠enthusiasm, and we are ordinary, generous people who seek the common good before our own individual interests.”

Spain, who won Euro 2024, have now equalled Italy’s ⁠record of 37 consecutive unbeaten matches, but de la Fuente ⁠said his players still had room to grow.

“This team never ceases to amaze me. The scope for improvement is endless,” he said. “It was a labour of love, a process. It was about reaching the crucial moment in the best possible shape.”

De la Fuente ‌said he would like to face Argentina in the final because of his close friendship with manager Lionel Scaloni, while also praising England and describing the other semifinal as a match that “could easily ‌be ‌the World Cup final”.

“I don’t believe in the idea that finals are there to be won. They’re there to be enjoyed,” he said.

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

De la Fuente praised his team's character, noting that even players who did not feature stayed behind to train after the match. For France, the defeat ends hopes of a third consecutive final, despite being pre-tournament favorites with stars like Kylian Mbappe. Spain will now look to replicate the spirit that brought them glory in 2010.