De la Fuente: My message to Yamal, we studied France's trio well

Spain's coach Luis de la Fuente spoke at a press conference ahead of the match against France, scheduled for this evening, Tuesday, in the semifinals of the 2026 World Cup at the Dallas Stadium.

The coach stated in his remarks: "We are always learning and taking lessons. I constantly tell my players: 'This can be improved. If we are not better than yesterday, it won't be enough for the next competition. We can be better because our players are very good.'"

He added: "I am very lucky. We have 26 players, and in some positions, there are three players capable of being starters. The details for us are what we need to attack the opponent. They are all very good. As for Merino, what can I say? I am very calm. I make a few mistakes, and that's the reason. Whoever the player I put in, we do not make mistakes. Merino is simply amazing."

He continued: "Is France better than England and Argentina? It's a great team, but who doesn't say that about England or Argentina or Spain? There has been a significant closeness in level from the start, so how can I not say the same applies to the top four teams in the world? France is not better than anyone. They have strengths, and we also have our strengths. And we all have weaknesses as well, which must be exploited."

He completed: "What do you feel when you see the players you developed just one step away from the World Cup final? I feel proud, it has been a long time, but the pride is still there. I feel proud of the steps we have taken. I am lucky to have been able to develop my coaching career. We always talked about closing the circle. We want this to be another step forward. We want to continue competing. Winning the World Cup would be the perfect touch. We think about that, despite the difficulty of the task. And I always tell myself: what if it actually happens?"

Regarding the criticism against Kylian Mbappé: "Mbappé criticized? Criticism is free, but I am a fan of great players, and Kylian is one of the greats of world football."

Regarding his message to the players: "We should enjoy ourselves, as we are in a scenario that may not repeat. We need to be ourselves and pay attention to the opponent's strengths. It is essential to think about qualification. We will give everything we have to reach the final."

In his message to Yamal on his birthday: "Calm down. He has already become an adult, but he still has a lot of football ahead of him... He is only nineteen! There is no place for worry, only for enjoyment. The big day for the young man has not come yet. I hope it will be tomorrow, and if not, then in the final if we manage to qualify."

He emphasized: "There is a lot to improve, as we have a significant margin for development. It’s a match of the utmost difficulty, and it could be an early final, just like the England vs. Argentina match will be. We are the top four teams. We need to control the game and be decisive both offensively and defensively. If you settle for what you have achieved, things will not go well."

He stated: "Is France different from the 2025 version? They are a better team. The players have developed and their attributes have grown. It's clear. Mbappé has improved, Dembélé has improved, and Pedri too... We are all better, and the players individually are as well."

He noted: "I enjoy it a lot; I am lucky. Responsibility goes hand in hand with enjoyment. It is a privilege to be in this position: playing in a World Cup semi-final. We are the champions of the scene. We do not shy away from responsibility, but we also enjoy such moments. We need to find balance, but without letting responsibility make us tense."

Regarding the 5-4 match against France in the Nations League? "It’s a different match. We learned a lot from it, as they certainly did too. They drew their conclusions. We will try to replicate the moments that were in our favor and avoid those that were not, like the last 15 minutes when the score changed from 5-1 to 5-4. After that, we will see who imposes their style. The two styles are contrasting, and we must be cautious of their attacking transitions as they are very dangerous."

Regarding Fabian Ruiz starting against Belgium and Pedri being on the bench: "Each of them has their own strengths and characteristics. The most important thing is that they can also play together. If I have any doubts, I will play them both together and the problem is solved (smiles)."

Regarding the suspension of the trio Mbappé, Dembélé, and Oulis: "We have studied them very well. They have players of exceptional quality, but we also have that. The idea is to impose our characteristics and style while reducing the opponent's danger. This is football. The most balanced team is closer to winning, although that does not guarantee anything. We will be at the peak of our focus, cooperate with each other, win the duels, and try to take the initiative."

Didier Deschamps commented on the statements regarding Spain being the favorite to win: "I said from the beginning that whether you are labeled as a favorite or not means nothing. We are facing two great teams, just like in the other semifinal. I don't understand why such talk is made. I'll lighten the mood a bit. I remember what Joaquín Caparrós used to say: 'Do you think they won't show up?' All this talk about the favorite means nothing."

He concluded: "I pray every day, and I thank God every day. I look at myself and thank Him for the small blessings. I do not ask for help. It is not right to ask God to assist me. I pray for health, especially. Other than that, I ask Him to grant me opportunities to compete. If I am healthy, I will do it. I am a fighter, and with my health, I will make it happen."