Rodri Hernandez said Spain can beat France in World Cup 2026 after studying every match and citing their 2024 Euro and Nations League wins. The midfielder, who has watched the "immense majority" of the tournament’s 100 games, called France "one of the best teams here" but insisted Spain are equally strong.
**Why is Rodri Hernandez so focused on France?**
Spain face France in a potential semi-final showdown, with Rodri pointing to their **5-4 Nations League win last summer** and **2-1 Euro 2024 semi-final victory**. Both were semi-finals—just like the 2015 Under-19 European Championship, where Rodri and Mikel Merino beat France in the last four.
**How has Rodri’s injury recovery shaped Spain’s campaign?**
After tearing his cruciate ligament in the **Euro 2024 final**, Rodri spent last season rebuilding. He now says he’s back to full fitness, crediting Manchester City’s support. "I feel good and happy about the team’s growth," he told *The Guardian* on **July 13, 2026**, before Spain’s penultimate training session.
**What does Rodri’s leadership look like at this World Cup?**
The 30-year-old, a Ballon d’Or winner, acts as Spain’s de facto coach, analyzing opponents with meticulous detail. Even when joking about being "the worst" at note-taking, his influence is undeniable. "When Rodri talks, they listen," a teammate noted.
**What’s next for Spain after 100 World Cup games?**
With the tournament’s 101st match looming, Rodri expects a long campaign. Unlike Euro 2024, where Spain dominated early, he predicts a slower build. "The form people were in when we arrived is different," he said, hinting at a tactical shift ahead of their next fixture.