The meeting between two of the world’s top-ranked footballing nations, France and Spain, has become a familiar showdown in recent international tournaments. Both sides, sitting comfortably within the top four of the global rankings, boast immense depth and quality. However, Spain’s approach in this tournament has stood out as markedly different from that of their European neighbours.

Having conceded only once so far, Spain have demonstrated remarkable unity and defensive strength, even if they have not been as explosive in attack as Les Bleus. Their disciplined performances have been a key feature of their campaign to date.

Head coach Luis de la Fuente, who guided Spain to European Championship glory just two years ago, remains unflustered ahead of the semi-final showdown with France. Although Spain’s attack has yet to hit top gear in this tournament, de la Fuente has emphasised belief and enjoyment within his squad.

“I tell the players that we need to enjoy ourselves; we’re in a situation that might never happen again. That we be ourselves, and that we be wary of the opposition’s strengths. We absolutely must believe we want to go through. We’ll give it our all to reach the final.”

They will certainly need to be at their absolute best to contain France’s formidable attacking force, which includes Ballon d’Or winner Ousmane Dembélé, Bayern Munich’s Michael Olise, and the ever-dangerous Kylian Mbappé. The French bench is equally strong, with Bradley Barcola, Desiré Doué, and Rayan Cherki providing further attacking options.

When asked how he planned to prepare for such a fearsome forward line, de la Fuente revealed the extensive analysis his team had undertaken. “We’ve analysed them very, very thoroughly. They have players of exceptional calibre, but so do we. The key is to impose our own characteristics and style, and to neutralise the opposition. That’s football. The more balanced side is usually closer to winning, although that’s no guarantee.”

Despite France’s impressive form in this competition, Spain have had the upper hand over Didier Deschamps’ men in recent years. La Roja triumphed 5-4 in a thrilling Nations League semi-final, having led 5-1 before a late French resurgence, and also defeated them 2-1 in the Euro 2024 semi-final.

Reflecting on those encounters, de la Fuente said, “We learn a lot from those matches, as they will have done. We will try to repeat the scenarios where situations were favourable to us and not the others.”

France’s head coach Didier Deschamps, aware of Spain’s pedigree, described them as favourites ahead of the match—an assessment de la Fuente was quick to play down. “Being told you are favourites or not means nothing,” he said. “We are both great teams, like in the other semi-final (England v Argentina). I don’t understand why people say such things because whether we’re the favourites or not is completely irrelevant.”

Both squads are loaded with world-class talent. Mbappé and Dembélé have notched up a combined 13 goals in this tournament, while Olise has contributed five assists. In comparison, Spain’s teenage star Lamine Yamal, who turned 19 recently, has only scored once and is yet to register an assist. Nevertheless, de la Fuente has publicly backed his young forward.

“I’ve told him [Yamal] there is no need to worry – let him enjoy himself. I’m sure Lamine’s great World Cup day is still to come. I hope it’s tomorrow and, if not, then in the final, if we can get there.”

Spain are fully aware that they face one of their toughest challenges yet as they aim for a place in the final. France’s ability to find multiple ways to win makes them a formidable opponent. Having already led Spain to European glory, de la Fuente will now be eager to add a second star to La Roja’s crest.

The semi-final between France and Spain is scheduled to kick off at 8:00 pm UK time in Dallas.