M. Maignan
AC Milan · UEFA Nations League · Goalkeeper · #16 · France · 30 yrs
M. Maignan news
Luis de la Fuente makes bold Spain claim after beating France: ‘They were up against the best team in the world’
Spain secured their place in the 2026 World Cup final after defeating France, and Luis de la Fuente had nothing but praise for his team. Luis de la Fuente didn’t hold back after Spain‘s 2-0 win over France sent them into the 2026 World Cup final, delivering a bold assessment of his side’s level in the aftermath of Tuesday’s semifinal at Dallas Stadium. “It’s hard to describe what you feel right now. The pride of managing a group of professionals like this one. We have one more step to go, and we’re going to try to get there,” de la Fuente said in his on-field interview after the game. The Spain coach went on to reflect on the weight of the occasion and the philosophy that has carried his side through the tournament unbeaten. “There’s a lot of built-up tension right now, it’s a huge responsibility being in a World Cup final. We’ve stayed true to this idea, and it’s brought us here. I’m proud of that,” he continued. De la Fuente saved his strongest words for his own players, framing the win over France as proof of just how far this Spain side has come. “We were facing one of the best national teams in the world, but they were up against the best team in the world. These players deserve everything. Their generosity, their talent. It’s a spectacle. Proud, happy,” the Spanish coach concluded. Mikel Oyarzabal #21 of Spain converts a penalty vs France. (Getty Images) Pedro Porro’s night to remember Pedro Porro was one of the standout performers in Spain’s win over France, doubling the lead with a well-taken second goal that put the match out of reach and sent his team to the final. Porro’s goal came in the 58th minute, the product of a slick give-and-go with Dani Olmo through the middle of France’s defense. The 26-year-old defender played it in, received the return pass in stride, and beat Mike Maignan with a low finish to make it 2-0. PEDRO POROOOO 🔥2-0 SPAIN IN THE SEMIFINALS! pic.twitter.com/FxMiGlJE92— FOX Sports (@FOXSports) July 14, 2026 “It’s a dream come true. Very happy with the team’s attitude, from start to finish. We played a great match. This belongs to the team — congratulations to everyone, because we put on a huge performance,” the Tottenham defender said after the game. Asked about his fitness for the final, Porro admitted the physical toll of the tournament is starting to show. “We’ll see (about being ready for the final). I’d say I’m exhausted right now. Now it’s about recovery,” he added.
Spain beat France 2-0 to reach the World Cup final
Spain beat France with goals from Mikel Oyarzabal and Pedro Porro to reach the World Cup final with a 2-0 victory. A huge match was expected in the 2026 World Cup semifinals, and France and Spain delivered as they battled for a place in the final, with Spain finishing with a 2-0 victory thanks to goals from Mikel Oyarzabal and Pedro Porro. The first half had few goal-scoring chances, but Spain took the lead through a penalty after Lamine Yamal was brought down by Lucas Digne while trying to reach the ball. Oyarzabal stepped up and fired a powerful shot to the left side of Mike Maignan, who went the right way but could not stop it. Spain’s superior ball control became even more evident in the second half, with France unable to react. After a great combination between Porro and Dani Olmo, Porro went one-on-one against the goalkeeper and finished with precision to secure the victory.
Why Hugo Lloris is missing the 2026 World Cup for France
The former captain, who remains the national team’s all-time appearance leader, will not be part of the tournament in North America as questions continue to surround why one of France’s greatest-ever goalkeepers is missing from the roster. France heads into the 2026 World Cup carrying enormous expectations, but the absence of Hugo Lloris has become one of the major talking points surrounding Didier Deschamps’ squad. The former captain, who remains the national team’s all-time appearance leader, will not be part of the tournament in North America as questions continue to surround why one of France’s greatest-ever goalkeepers is missing from the roster. The French national team enters the competition with enormous expectations following a dominant qualification campaign and a squad filled with Champions League winners, established stars, and rising talents. A recent 3-1 victory over Northern Ireland in a warm-up match only strengthened the growing belief that France could once again reach the final stage of the tournament. Kylian Mbappe and his teammates convincingly qualified for the World Cup, finishing first in Group D with five wins and one draw from six matches. The national team scored 16 goals and conceded only four, underlining the balance that has defined Deschamps’ era in charge. The squad will begin its Group I campaign against Senegal before facing Iraq and Norway in the opening stage. With matches scheduled in New York, Philadelphia, and Boston, France is widely expected to top the group and advance comfortably into the knockout rounds. Didier Deschamps, Head Coach of France, celebrates with Kylian Mbappe. Didier Deschamps is preparing for what is expected to be his final major tournament as the Blues’ manager. The former World Cup-winning captain has transformed the national team into one of the most consistent forces in international soccer since taking charge in 2012, guiding the team to World Cup glory in 2018 and another final appearance in 2022. Why Hugo Lloris is missing the 2026 World Cup The reasoning behind Lloris’ absence ultimately comes down to a decision made several years ago. Hugo Lloris officially retired from international soccer in January 2023, shortly after France’s heartbreaking defeat to Argentina in the 2022 World Cup final. After representing France for 14 years and becoming the country’s all-time appearance leader with 145 caps, Lloris decided the time had come to step away from the national team. The veteran goalkeeper cited mental and physical fatigue after years of competing at the highest level. He also wanted to step aside while still performing at an elite level and allow the next generation of goalkeepers to emerge. The legendary goalkeeper did, in fact, pave the way for the next generation of French players, especially goalkeeper Mike Maignan, who has since established himself as the country’s undisputed first-choice option. Despite retiring from the national team, Lloris continued his club career and eventually moved to Major League Soccer with LAFC. His performances in the United States have reportedly been impressive, sparking rumors that he could make a sensational return ahead of the 2026 tournament. Hugo Lloris of France shows teh World Cup trophy to teammates after the 2018 FIFA World Cup Final Deschamps chooses future over experience Although speculation over a comeback intensified in recent months, Deschamps ultimately decided against recalling the former captain. The France coach instead chose to continue building around the country’s new goalkeeping hierarchy, led by Mike Maignan. Milan’s captain has now firmly established himself as France’s number-one goalkeeper following Lloris’ retirement. Behind him, Deschamps preferred younger options rather than bringing back a veteran nearing the end of his career. Mike Maignan of France looks on That decision reflects Les Bleus’ broader long-term transition. Several younger stars are now expected to form the foundation of the nat