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.

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.

A reporter asked Williams about Spain's recent success against Les Bleus at major tournaments. The question was (via @DAZNFootball on X):

The young forward, who scored in a thrilling 5-4 victory in the latter, replied:

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).

Spain midfielder Mikel Merino was ecstatic after scoring a second consecutive winner for his side at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

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.

In a post-match interview, Merino said (via ESPN):

Spain will face off against France in a mouth-watering semi-final clash at the 2026 FIFA World Cup on Tuesday (July 14).

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