Luis de la Fuente says Spain are the best team in the world after a clinical 2-0 win over France sent La Roja into the World Cup final for the first time since their triumph in 2010. Mikel Oyarzabal converted a penalty in the 22nd minute after Lucas Digne fouled Lamine Yamal in the box, before Pedro Porro doubled the advantage just before the hour mark. France, who arrived in Arlington having scored 16 goals in the tournament and with Kylian Mbappe joint-top scorer on eight, were restricted to just 0.3 expected goals across 90 minutes. De la Fuente, speaking after the final whistle, struggled to contain his emotion while insisting the job is not yet finished.It is difficult to describe how one feels, but I know it is something that resembles happiness, he said. The pride I have for every single one of this group of players is great, but now we have to keep going. We still have one more step to go. Were going to try to achieve it.A lot of tension builds up, it is a huge responsibility, and to be in the final of a World Cup is a luxury. It is only for the chosen ones and the rest have to try to repeat it, not in this squad, but when we started almost four years ago with an idea, a philosophy, and that has brought us here. Im so proud of this.Table of ContentsThey make the difficult look so easyIt is an honour to be SpanishThey make the difficult look so easySpains performance against a France side that had conceded only twice all tournament drew widespread admiration, and De la Fuente was unfiltered in his assessment of where his side stands among world footballs elite.Today we played one of the national teams in the world, but they came up against the best team in the world, he said. That is different. These players deserve it all because they show day after day their commitment, their generosity, their talent. It was marvellous to see them play so spectacularly today. They make the difficult look so easy. Happy, proud and what calms me now is that we start to realise where we are.It is an honour to be SpanishDe la Fuente, who took over the national team in 2022 and has gone without defeat since a loss to Colombia shortly after his appointment, also took time to address the supporters watching from home and around the world.Total gratitude for the huge displays of support and affection and strength that they send to us, he said. It is an honour to be Spanish, it is an honour to feel like you are bringing together a whole country.Spain will face the winner of the second semi-final between England and Argentina in the World Cup final, which takes place on July 19. Topics Luis de la Fuente Spain National Football Team Add us as a preferred source on Google If you enjoy reading this article, you can help support our independent football journalism by adding 101 Great Goals as a preferred source You Should Also Read France 0-2 Spain: Report, result and goals as La Roja book spot in World Cup final Mitch Fretton 14th July, 2026 WATCH: Spain take lead against France after Yamal wins penalty in first half Mitch Fretton 14th July, 2026 World Cup 2026 live: France vs Spain confirmed teams and full line ups as Barcola, Tchouameni start with England or Argentina awaiting winners, TV channel, online stream and stats Ben Miller 14th July, 2026 LIVE France v Spain: Commentary, updates, goals and stats for World Cup semi-final clash Jon Fisher 14th July, 2026 France v Spain: Expected line-ups, stats and where to watch as European champions meet World Cup favourites Jon Fisher 14th July, 2026 France v Spain: Rodri expresses hope of belated Yamal impact in blockbuster semi-final Nicholas McGee 13th July, 2026
