Luis de la Fuente press conference today: Spain coach’s comments before Portugal at World Cup 2026

After appearances from Cristiano Ronaldos, Roberto Martínez and Unai Simón, it was Luis de la Fuente’s turn to speak. Following the huge media attention generated by Ronaldo at AT&T Stadium in Dallas, the venue for this Round of 16 matchup, Spain’s head coach addressed reporters to preview the third World Cup meeting between Portugal and Spain (3:00 p.m. ET). Staying true to his usual approach, the Spaniard backed his own team while praising Portugal and Cristiano Ronaldo, making it clear he expects an intensely competitive Iberian showdown but trying to keep emotions in check.

Portugal took the Nations League from Spain, while everything went well against Austria. Does Portugal’s left side change your plans?

No. Whether we need to adjust or not has nothing to do with one flank, it’s about the entire team. We have to pay attention to everyone. When we don’t have the ball, we’ll focus on our opponent. But we also want them worrying about our right side, whether it’s Porro, Llorente, Lamine...

Cristiano lit up the press room. What does he mean to the game?

I’m an outspoken admirer of Cristiano, and of people like him. His character, his relentless work ethic... he’s an example of great values. I have nothing but admiration for him. It’s not just the legacy he’s already built, but the one he’s still creating. You have to be aware of him in every situation. I’m not saying he needs man-marking, but you always have to know where he is on the field. I’d rather he didn’t play, but he will. We’ll all enjoy watching one of the greatest players in history.

The midfield battle could decide the game. Will whoever controls it come out on top?

I allow myself to believe my players are the best in the world, but we’re facing a team with very similar qualities. Not only defensively, but also in possession and combination play. We’ll see who tips the balance in their favor. It’ll be a game decided by the smallest details, and we’ll have to stay fully focused on them.

Will you ask Lamine to do more defensive work?

Lamine is always willing to work harder, but we don’t need to ask more of him. We’re delighted with everything he gives us. Our priority is to make the opposing defenders suffer, while understanding that if they control the game, everyone has to defend.

How is the team?

The priority is to recover and rest well. The travel, the heat, the time-zone change... it’s all about helping the players recover. I also think Colombia is one of the favorites. (laughs)

Could you change the midfield to gain more control?

Our identity is very clear, but that doesn’t mean we can’t surprise people. We’ll do whatever we need to do, but always in the way we believe can hurt our opponent. The last Nations League final was played at a very high technical and tactical level. I came away feeling we deserved a little more. Portugal can beat you even when they don’t play well, just as we can. We’ll stay true to our identity and try to beat Portugal. That’s our objective.

How do you see Lamine?

I see him more motivated every day. Those of you who know him understand that he loves responsibility, loves being in the spotlight and taking the initiative. That’s why we work on one thing: 0% anxiety, 100% motivation. It’s a privilege to watch him train because he gives everyone confidence. I’m sure this could be a great game for him. It has all the ingredients.

Would it be unfair to judge this team harshly if it doesn’t win the World Cup?

I think it’s a privilege to be compared to that generation. Nobody gave them anything, and we’re on our own journey. I believe this team will receive exceptional recognition over time. As long as we keep giving ourselves a chance to fight for titles, that’s what matters. Winning is incredibly difficult. As José Mota says: “What if we do?”

What did you think of Balogun’s red card?

I don’t know what reasons FIFA had for making that decision, so I can’t comment on it. [Balogun’s red card ban suspended by FIFA]

The fullbacks have been outstanding...

When you’re building a style of play, you look for players who fit that idea. I’ve always liked attacking fullbacks who can get forward, and I like playing with wingers. Fortunately, these players suit that approach perfectly. It would be very unwise to limit them. We have players capable of executing those ideas.

Are you comfortable with Cubarsí marking Cristiano?

You can never feel comfortable against Cristiano, just as you can’t against Lamine or Oyarzabal. But I have complete confidence in my players. That’s football: beating your opponent, especially near the penalty areas. Both Pau and Laporte have shown outstanding reliability. They’re exceptional defenders capable of handling any opponent. It’s a battle, and we’ll see who comes out on top. I believe we can manage those situations.

Cubarsí plays with the composure of a 30-year-old. How important is Laporte alongside him?

A player isn’t just defined by talent but by a thousand other qualities. Young players like Cubarsí, Lamine and Nico handle those moments brilliantly. That’s what sets them apart. They’re technically gifted, but the difference is how they manage pressure. Cubarsí plays with incredible composure. Having someone like Laporte beside him provides experience, and they complement each other perfectly. We’ve found an outstanding balance among the four defenders.

Does the comparison with 2024 add pressure?

It’s always positive. We build from a foundation where we’ve already achieved something extremely difficult. I’d much rather grow from there than start lower down. We shouldn’t spend too much time looking at the past. We should focus on the present and, above all, the future.

Lamine struggled against Nuno Mendes in the Nations League...

Nuno Mendes has caused problems for a lot of players because he’s outstanding. In the same way, Lamine has given many defenders sleepless nights. We have to stay calm, although he doesn’t need much reassurance because he’s very confident. The key is making sure he feels no anxiety. He should focus on himself and the team, which he already does. Every game is different. Just because an opponent got the better of you once doesn’t mean it’ll always happen. Hopefully he’ll give us a memorable afternoon.

Does the mix of races and beliefs enrich the World Cup?

Yes. That’s globalization. It has brought us together through different races and beliefs, and I think that’s something wonderful. Soccer allows us to show the world that it’s possible.

Is there a desire for revenge after the Nations League?

We have to look for their weaknesses, just as every team has weaknesses. It’ll be a different game. Not necessarily because of the style of play, since both teams have very similar ideas, but because a World Cup is a unique opportunity. We have to play in the way that gives us the best chance of winning.

Lamine looked a little down...

No, you notice every little detail. I see them in the locker room, and they’re all happy. The atmosphere is always excellent. I didn’t see him looking that way. He was cheerful.

How are you experiencing this World Cup?

With calm and peace of mind. I try to focus on every detail related to soccer. If we paid more attention to everything happening outside, we’d probably be more nervous. Inside our bubble we’re very comfortable. I’m very calm.

What has Spain been missing to reach its best level?

That question reflects the ambition and dissatisfaction of people who always want to improve. My last words in every training session are: “Tomorrow we have to be better.” The fact that Rodri thinks that way reflects how everyone around this team feels. What we’ve done so far isn’t enough to win the World Cup.

What’s Nico’s situation?

We’ll see how the game develops. That will tell us whether he gets minutes or not. We’ll do what’s best for both the team and for him. He could play despite the limitations of coming back from injury and a layoff, but it’s very different coming into a game when you’re comfortably ahead than when you’re chasing it. We’ll see. You can have a plan, but soccer takes you in unexpected directions. It’s like the sea. We’ll make a decision on both him and Víctor tomorrow.

How is Fabián handling his situation?

We have a very close relationship built on trust. We’ve known each other for a long time. He’s just as important whether he starts or not. The good fortune we have is that this squad is exceptional, and they’re all fully aware of that. During the European Championship, the players who came off the bench were incredibly important. Having players like Fabián, Merino, Zubimendi or anyone else gives you enormous confidence and security.

What message do you have for the fans?

The emotions people feel in Portugal are exactly the same as those people feel in Spain. We probably don’t fully realize what the country is experiencing, but we know what we represent. How could that not inspire you? We’re all in this together.

The whole country wants Spain to win...

We’re constantly connected to them through our families and friends, and we receive hundreds of messages. We’re not oblivious to it. We may not fully understand the scale of it, but first of all we’re grateful. We’re proud to be Spanish. Keep supporting us because we need it. That extra push is incredibly important when the tank starts running low.

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