On the eve of the 2026 World Cup semi-final between France and Spain, Fabian Ruiz—the 30-year-old Paris Saint-Germain and Spain midfielder—spoke to El Desmarque about his eagerness to face his Parisian teammates on the opposing side in what promises to be a truly unique encounter.
Ruiz: “They are very good friends”
“They are very good friends. I’ve spoken to them, but not about the match. It’s true that we talk often—we haven’t discussed the game yet—but I’m sure there will be some teasing in the hours leading up to kick-off,” he joked. “We know what great players they are and what a fantastic team they have. I have quite a few teammates from Paris.”
This semi-final presents a rare scenario for Fabian Ruiz. Accustomed to sharing the dressing room, training sessions, and big European nights with several French internationals from Paris Saint-Germain, the Spanish midfielder must now try to end their tournament run. The smiles and messages exchanged will quickly give way to a high-intensity duel, with a spot in the World Cup final as the prize.
Ruiz: “The key will be making few mistakes”
“The key will be making few mistakes, because they have immense quality—especially in attack—and capitalizing on our chances when they come.”
Fabian Ruiz is well aware of the strengths Spain will be up against. His day-to-day experience at Paris Saint-Germain gives him a clear understanding of the speed, creativity, and attacking drive of the French players. In a semi-final that could be decided by just a few key moments, Spain’s technical composure must be matched by great vigilance regarding ball retention. The slightest lapse could instantly open up space for a particularly dangerous French attack.
Ruiz: “The team comes first”
“I won’t lie to you—we all want to play—but we know that the team is what matters most, and that we need to be ready whenever the coach calls on us. I think that’s the key to this squad, and it explains our unbeaten run.”
Beyond the reunions with his Paris teammates, Fabian Ruiz highlights the mindset driving Spain’s campaign. Whether starting the match or coming off the bench, the PSG midfielder is committed to putting the collective ahead of his own personal situation. It is a vital philosophy at this stage of the competition, where substitutes can prove just as important as the starters. Facing several teammates he knows inside out, his experience could nonetheless prove to be a valuable asset for Spain.
