France will approach their FIFA World Cup semi-final against Spain with confidence rather than fear, defender Ibrahima Konate said as Les Bleus prepare for one of the tournament’s biggest matches.

France will face Spain on Tuesday for a place in the World Cup final after both teams produced impressive runs through the tournament.

Speaking at a press conference on Sunday, Konate acknowledged Spain’s quality but said the French squad would not fear any opponent.

“You cannot fear anyone,” Konate said. “We will now prepare as best as possible and hope the result in the end will favour us.”

“Spain are an exceptional team, with a lot of individual quality, so we won’t be focusing on just one player even though Lamine is a great player.”

West Indies: Carty and Hope Power Hosts to ODI Victory Over New Zealand

Spain have conceded only one goal throughout the tournament as they chase a second World Cup title.

France know their opponents well after Spain knocked them out in the Euro 2024 semi-finals and defeated them again in last year’s UEFA Nations League semi-finals.

Dayot Upamecano and William Saliba have formed France’s preferred central defensive partnership during the tournament, while Konate has provided valuable depth from the bench.

France aim to reach a fifth World Cup final and a third consecutive final after lifting the trophy in 2018 and finishing runners-up in 2022.

Despite that opportunity, Konate said the squad remains fully focused on the semi-final.

“We are staying humble. We won’t fall into that trap,” he said.

Fellow defender Maxence Lacroix also praised Spain but insisted France believe they can progress.

“I would not say ‘fear’ but we are conscious of their quality,” Lacroix said.

“They have won all their matches, except a draw against Cape Verde in the group stage, so we respect them. They have high-quality players, but we want to win.”

Lacroix highlighted Spain winger Lamine Yamal as one of the team’s biggest threats and said France’s