Overview
- Spain beat France in the World Cup semifinal on Tuesday, July 14, to reach their first final since 2010.
- Luis de la Fuente is widely credited as the architect of the run for his man-management and tactical changes that added pressing and defensive solidity to Spain’s traditional possession style.
- Many senior players were coached by De la Fuente in youth categories, a continuity that helped team cohesion and eased tactical implementation at the tournament.
- Key selection choices that drew scrutiny — the Joan García call-up while keeping Unai Simón as starter, the right-back rotation between Marcos Llorente and Pedro Porro, and midfield handling of Rodri and Pedri — have been judged successful by media and analysts.
- This campaign follows back-to-back trophies under De la Fuente, the Nations League in 2023 and Euro 2024, and signals a return of Spain to consistent title contention on the world stage.