“We’ve already defeated them twice, we want to do it again” - Spain star makes confident claim ahead of FIFA World Cup semi-final vs France

× Spain star Nico Williams has claimed that he is confident in his side's ability to overcome France in the semi-final of the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Ad Williams made appearances off the bench in all three group stage fixtures for La Roja. He picked up an adductor injury in the final group game (1-0 win vs Uruguay) that kept him out of action for the Round of 32 and Round of 16 wins against Austria (3-0) and Portugal (1-0) respectively.

The 23-year-old's participation in the quarter-final against Belgium was doubtful; however, he made an 11-minute cameo in a 2-1 win for his side. After the game, the winger, who plays for Athletic Bilbao at club level, was asked an interesting question about his nation's opponents in the semi-final, France. Ad Trending A reporter asked Williams about Spain's recent success against Les Bleus at major tournaments.

The question was (via @DAZNFootball on X): "You won the EURO (2024) semifinal against France, you won the UEFA Nations League (2025) semifinal against France. Does it help in the mental preparation of the Spanish players?" The young forward, who scored in a thrilling 5-4 victory in the latter, replied: Ad "Of course, we've already defeated them twice, we want to do it again.

They have a very strong team, but we have our own strengths. I think that for the neutral fans this match will be one that they will enjoy a lot. I hope it goes in our favour and its going to be a very good, very tough match.

And we know how they're going to approach it." Ad Powered by stellar performances from the likes of Pau Cubarsi, Lamine Yamal, Mikel Oyarzabal and Mikel Merino among others, Spain are hoping to win their second FIFA World Cup title (after their triumph in 2010). "I can't believe it myself" - Spain star Mikel Merino makes claim after netting second consecutive winner at FIFA World Cup Spain midfielder Mikel Merino was ecstatic after scoring a second consecutive winner for his side at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Ad With the score tied at 0-0 in the 85th minute of La Roja's Round of 16 clash against Portugal, Merino was substituted onto the pitch. Just six minutes later (90+1'), he scored the winner to send his nation to the quarter-final. In the last eight encounter against Belgium, the score was once again tied (1-1) when the Arsenal man came onto the pitch (86').

He made a quicker impact than the previous game, scoring within just two minutes of coming on to seal a 2-1 win and book Spain's place in the quarterfinal. Ad In a post-match interview, Merino said (via ESPN): "I don't even know what to say, I can't believe it myself. Doing it once, I thought it wouldn't happen again for a long time -- and here we are again.

It feels surreal to come on as a substitute and help the team with a goal in two consecutive matches."Spain will face off against France in a mouth-watering semi-final clash at the 2026 FIFA World Cup on Tuesday (July 14). × Was this article helpful?

Thank You for feedback Quick Links More from Sportskeeda Edited by Aaryan Nagraj Spain star Nico Williams has claimed that he is confident in his side's ability to overcome France in the semi-final of the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Ad Williams made appearances off the bench in all three group stage fixtures for La Roja. He picked up an adductor injury in the final group game (1-0 win vs Uruguay) that kept him out of action for the Round of 32 and Round of 16 wins against Austria (3-0) and Portugal (1-0) respectively.

The 23-year-old's participation in the quarter-final against Belgium was doubtful; however, he made an 11-minute cameo in a 2-1 win for his side. After the game, the winger, who plays for Athletic Bilbao at club level, was asked an interesting question about his nation's opponents in the semi-final, France. Ad Trending A reporter asked Williams about Spain's recent success against Les Bleus at major tournaments.

The question was (via @DAZNFootball on X): "You won the EURO (2024) semifinal against France, you won the UEFA Nations League (2025) semifinal against France. Does it help in the mental preparation of the Spanish players?" The young forward, who scored in a thrilling 5-4 victory in the latter, replied: Ad "Of course, we've already defeated them twice, we want to do it again.

They have a very strong team, but we have our own strengths. I think that for the neutral fans this match will be one that they will enjoy a lot. I hope it goes in our favour and its going to be a very good, very tough match.

And we know how they're going to approach it." Ad Powered by stellar performances from the likes of Pau Cubarsi, Lamine Yamal, Mikel Oyarzabal and Mikel Merino among others, Spain are hoping to win their second FIFA World Cup title (after their triumph in 2010). "I can't believe it myself" - Spain star Mikel Merino makes claim after netting second consecutive winner at FIFA World Cup Spain midfielder Mikel Merino was ecstatic after scoring a second consecutive winner for his side at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

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