Spain head coach Luis de la Fuente praised Mikel Merino after the midfielder’s late winner secured a 1-0 victory over Portugal and booked La Roja’s place in the quarter-finals of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, www.aclsports.com reports.
Merino came off the bench in the 85th minute and produced the decisive moment in the closing stages of the match, rewarding De la Fuente’s continued faith in him.
The Spain boss has faced debate over his decision to keep trusting Merino, but he once again defended the midfielder’s quality and importance to the team.
“I think everyone knows the affection I feel for all footballers, but especially for this wonderful generation that I have spent so much time with, and one of them, obviously, is Mikel Merino,” De la Fuente said after the game.
“I even went a step further and said that, if necessary, I would go and pick him up from his house myself. And it’s true. Mikel Merino is a great player, fantastic, exceptional, a world-class player, one of the best in the world in his position.”
The Spain coach believes the team’s mentality and ability to compete until the final whistle have been key strengths throughout the tournament.
“When you have a committed team, a group of people who share the same objective, that is what can bring the most satisfaction to a coach, a coaching staff, and everyone who works with them,” he said.
“This group of people is so committed, so united, so generous, so supportive, and full of values that have a positive impact on the team.”
“On top of all that, they are players with exceptional talent. When you put all of that together, you get a competitive team that never gives up on a ball and fights until the end.”
De la Fuente described the Portugal clash as a high-quality contest between two of the strongest midfield units in world football.
“Today, in my opinion, the match was exceptional from both sides. Two of the best midfield units in the world were facing each other, with very similar ideas, and there were moments of exceptional football.”
The Spain coach also credited the collective effort behind the team’s defensive record after goalkeeper Unai Simón helped Spain become the first team in World Cup history to record six consecutive matches without conceding a goal.
“Unai himself has acknowledged it. He said this record is the result of the incredible work done by all the players, by his teammates, and that is exactly how it is.”
“Our attacking and defensive work is the result of collective effort, of the team.”
De la Fuente said he has no preference over Spain’s next opponent, insisting whoever they face in the quarter-finals will provide another difficult challenge.
“The important thing is to be there and reach the final. The opponent you get is there because you have earned the right to be at that stage of the tournament.”
“Whoever we face will be even more difficult than what we have encountered so far.”
De la Fuente’s Spain will face Belgium in the quarter final of the FIFA World Cup 2026.
