France/Spain – Ruiz lays down a marker against his PSG pals

In partnership with

Parisfans.fr

·14 luglio 2026

France/Spain – Ruiz lays down a marker against his PSG pals

On the eve of the France/Spain semi-final at the 2026 World Cup, Fabian Ruiz, 30, a midfielder for Paris Saint-Germain and the Spanish national team, told El Desmarque how eager he is to reunite with his Parisian teammates, this time on the opposing side, for what will inevitably be a very special occasion.

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 still haven’t discussed the game — but I’m sure there will be a bit of teasing in the hours leading up to kick-off,” he jokes. “We know what great players they are and what a fantastic team they have. I have quite a few Parisian teammates.”

This semi-final will offer Fabian Ruiz a rare stage. Used to sharing the dressing room, training sessions and big European nights with several French internationals at Paris Saint-Germain, the Spanish midfielder will this time have to try to end their run. The smiles and exchanged messages will quickly give way to a duel of maximum intensity, with a place in the World Cup final as the reward.

OneFootball Video

Ruiz: “The key will be to make few mistakes”

“The key will be to make few mistakes, because they have enormous quality — especially in attack — and to make the most of our chances when we get them.”

Fabian Ruiz knows perfectly well the strengths Spain will have to face. His daily experience at Paris Saint-Germain allows him to measure the speed, creativity and ability to break through of the French players. In a semi-final that could be decided by just a few moments, Spain’s technical control will have to be matched by great care when losing possession. The slightest mistake could immediately open up spaces for a particularly dangerous French attack.

Ruiz: “The most important thing is the team”

“I’m not going to lie to you, we all want to play, but we know that the most important thing is the team and being ready when the coach needs us. I think that’s the key to this group, and that’s what explains our unbeaten run.”

Beyond the Paris reunion, Fabian Ruiz highlights the mindset behind Spain’s campaign. Whether he starts the match or is called upon during the game, the PSG midfielder intends to put the team before his personal situation. It is an essential philosophy at this stage of the competition, where substitutes can become just as important as starters. Against several teammates he knows like the back of his hand, his experience could nevertheless represent a valuable advantage for Spain.

This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇫🇷 here.