Texas, July 13 -- Spain head coach Luis de la Fuente believes his side and France have both improved since their last meeting and described Tuesday's FIFA World Cup 2026 semifinal as a contest worthy of being the final.

Addressing reporters ahead of the high-stakes clash, De la Fuente acknowledged the quality of the French side but expressed confidence in Spain's progress.

"I think the France of now is superior to the last one we faced. They're a better team than back then, but so are we. Tomorrow's match could be the World Cup final," De la Fuente said.

The Spanish coach said his team would approach the semifinal differently from previous encounters while aiming to build on the aspects that had worked in their favour.

"It is a privil...