Mbappe ‘not intimidating’ to Spain defender Cubarsi ahead of World Cup semis

Syndicated reporting provided by Stats Perform and reviewed by the SoccerNews editorial team.

Spain defender Pau Cubarsi insists he is not intimidated by Kylian Mbappe, but is wary of the threat he poses.

Mbappe’s France take on Spain for a spot in the 2026 World Cup final, with Tuesday’s clash at Dallas Stadium the first of the two semi-finals.

Mbappe has scored 12 goals in the knockout stages of the World Cup, the most of any player.

He’s scored in the round of 32 (two), round of 16 (five), quarter-final (one) and final (four), but never in the semi-final in two appearances.

Spain have conceded just once at the tournament so far, and Cubarsi believes they must be focused throughout the contest to stop Mbappe.

“[He’s] not intimidating, but everyone knows what qualities he has,” Cubarsi told AS.

“Even if he’s not fully engaged in the game, he can change it with a quick move. He’s unique, like Lamine [Yamal]. We have to be focused for the full 90 minutes.”

13 – Luis de la Fuente has now managed more games across the FIFA World Cup and UEFA European Championship without ever losing than any other manager (W12 D1).

— OptaJoe (@OptaJoe) July 10, 2026

Spain have lost just two of their last 10 meetings with France in all competitions (W7 D1), winning each of the last two (2-1 in the semi-final at Euro 2024, 5-4 in the Nations League in June 2025).

La Roja have also won each of their last seven knockout stage matches at major tournaments (World Cup/Euros) and could become the first ever European nation to win eight on the bounce.

Spain boss Luis de la Fuente, meanwhile, has now managed more games across the World Cup and Euros without ever losing than any other manager (13 – W12 D1).

Spain are two wins away from lifting the World Cup, something Cubarsi has envisioned himself doing.

“You can imagine it since you were little,” the Barcelona defender added.

“But when you’re here and you get closer to the goal, you imagine the celebration even more and the desire to lift that cup.”

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