Spain coach Luis de la Fuente has offered positive updates on Lamine Yamal and Pedro Porro following injury concerns during their 2-0 victory over France in the World Cup semi-final. The result secured La Roja’s place in the 2026 World Cup final, but both players caused brief scares for fans during the match.

De la Fuente moved quickly to ease worries about Yamal’s condition after the teenage star appeared to struggle physically at times. The coach confirmed that the Barcelona forward had not picked up any serious injury, reassuring supporters that the initial medical feedback was promising as Spain prepare for Sunday’s final.

“Lamine doesn’t have anything that I know of. I’ve spoken with the doctors now,” De la Fuente explained. Tottenham defender Pedro Porro, however, is being closely monitored after suffering a muscle strain that saw him replaced by Marcos Llorente in the 85th minute. “Pedro Porro seems to have overuse injuries, but we’ll see tomorrow,” the coach added during his post-match press conference.

Reflecting on Spain’s dominant performance, De la Fuente expressed pride in his squad’s growth and tactical execution. He emphasised that their victory over the 2018 world champions was the result of talent and discipline rather than luck. “I’m surprised by what this team is capable of, and the room for improvement is endless,” he said. “This isn’t by chance: it’s talent, hard work, sacrifice, perseverance, and we knew we had to keep improving little by little throughout the tournament. We would have liked to win the first match because we would have broken another record, but we’re in fantastic form, both in terms of our football and our physical condition.”

Looking ahead to the final, De la Fuente praised his players for reaching the pinnacle of international football but stressed that the ultimate goal still lies ahead. “For me, Spanish footballers are the best at understanding the game in the world, and that’s an achievement of Spanish coaches and clubs. We’re happy, but we’re not satisfied with this,” he said.

The coach added that while the final will be a huge challenge, his team is ready to embrace it. “What’s coming is more difficult, and we’re eager to play the final. But the final is meant to be played; I’m not one for literary phrases. How could you not be happy to play in a final! Whether you win it or not... there’s an opponent. I greatly value the journey, and that’s what makes us very strong and allows us to appreciate what we achieve.”

The team’s success was recognised at the highest level, with King Felipe VI personally calling to congratulate the players on their achievement. Spain will now face either England or Argentina in the final as they aim to repeat their historic 2010 triumph.

“It is a great honour that our king calls us, cares about us, and constantly encourages us,” De la Fuente added. “To be the architects of the joy of a country so devoted in the streets, with a generation that has a commendable attitude. Let’s enjoy it; the hardest step is still to come, we have to improve and that’s what we’re working on.”