France head coach, Didier Deschamps, expects a “spectacular” contest when his side face Spain in the semi-finals of the 2026 FIFA World Cup in Dallas on Tuesday.
The meeting renews one of Europe’s biggest rivalries, with Spain having beaten France in the semi-finals of Euro 2024 before defeating Les Bleus in a nine-goal UEFA Nations League semi-final last year.
“The past is in the past. They did win in the past, but I am looking forward to tomorrow.
“We are now at another level. We want to be in the final,” Deschamps said on Monday.
A victory would make France only the third nation to reach three consecutive FIFA World Cup finals after West Germany (1982, 1986 and 1990) and Brazil (1994, 1998 and 2002).
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Deschamps, who guided France to the 2018 World Cup title before losing the 2022 final to Argentina on penalties, acknowledged Spain’s defensive record but believes both teams have the attacking quality to produce an entertaining encounter.
“They have only conceded only one goal in six games,” he said.
“We know this could be a most spectacular game. Luis and myself we know how to defend and with the quality of two teams offensively, we can think it’s going to be a spectacular game.”
Spain coach, Luis de la Fuente, dismissed suggestions that his team are favourites despite their impressive run to the last four.
“It doesn’t mean anything. We are two great national teams facing one another.
“Whether we are favourites or not doesn’t mean further pressure for us. We have that pressure anyway because we want to do well for our country,” De la Fuente said.
De la Fuente also praised France’s attacking strength, led by captain Kylian Mbappe, who has scored eight goals and provided three assists at the tournament.
“They have great players but so do we. Of course we will have to think about these players, win our battles, be on the front foot and think about our style.
“Tomorrow will be an extremely demanding match,” he said.
The Spain coach also referenced Roman general Julius Caesar while discussing the challenge ahead.
“Julius Caesar always said that you can’t win without suffering. I agree with that,” he said.
“That is one of the expressions I love. If you want to achieve big things in your life you need to prepare to suffer.
“I tell my players ‘look enjoy what we have today. You are privileged. Let’s play football. You have huge potential. Let’s do what we do best.'”
