France vs Spain: Jules Koundé sets the tone for the clash

Koundé doesn't want to let La Roja control the ball

World Cup 2026 13 July 2026 at 15:52

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France vs Spain: Jules Koundé sets the tone for the clash

14.07.26 FT World Cup

France

Spain

On the eve of the 2026 World Cup semi-final, Jules Koundé discussed the French team’s game plan.

The right-back for Les Bleus believes it’s crucial not to let La Roja settle into their usual rhythm.

"Both teams like to have possession. We know that Spain always play a possession-based game, even though they can hurt you in transition as well. And we’re a team that’s comfortable on the ball, but we can also drop deeper and exploit transitions because we have a lot of quality for that. Tomorrow, we’ll need to have the ball too, because you can’t let Spain keep it for 90 minutes. If you do, they’ll eventually find the space, wear you down. That’s just not possible," said the French defender.

🚨🗣🎙️ Jules Koundé on France's approach against Spain: 🇫🇷🇪🇸

🗣️ "We want to have the ball tomorrow."

"Spain's strength is their collective play and possession. We have a slightly different style, based on transitions, but we want to keep the ball and take them out of their… pic.twitter.com/uR0p92CGWL
— Football Central (@Footballcent_) July 13, 2026

Joshua SOSSOU

Editorfr, en, ar

As a sports fan, and particularly a football fan, I've been putting my writing talent to good use for a number of years now to promote African talent and the continent's football in general. On Foot Africa, enjoy reading each of my lines.