Spain have been one of the standout teams of the tournament, conceding just one goal on their way to the last four as they chase a second World Cup title.
France, champions in 2018 and runners-up four years later, know the challenge that awaits after losing to Spain in the Euro 2024 semi-finals and last year’s UEFA Nations League semi-finals.
Konate made it clear that France will not be intimidated.
“You cannot fear anyone,” he said. “We will prepare as well as possible and hope the result goes our way.”
The newly-signed Real Madrid defender praised Spain’s strength across the pitch and said France would not focus on stopping just one player.
“Spain are an exceptional team with a lot of individual quality, so we won’t be focusing on just one player, even though Lamine Yamal is a great player,” he said.
France have built their campaign on a solid defence, with Dayot Upamecano and William Saliba forming the preferred central defensive partnership. Konate has featured from the bench during the tournament but remains confident the squad is ready for the biggest test yet.
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A victory would send France into a fifth World Cup final, continuing their remarkable record on the biggest stage, but Konate said nobody in the camp is looking beyond Tuesday’s match.
“We are staying humble. We won’t fall into that trap,” he said.
France will have to find a way past Spain’s outstanding defence while also limiting the influence of teenage star Lamine Yamal, who has been one of the tournament’s most dangerous attacking players.
Defender Maxence Lacroix said France respect what Spain have achieved but believe they have what it takes to reach the final.
“I would not say we fear them, but we are conscious of their quality,” Lacroix said. “They have won all their matches apart from the draw against Cape Verde, so we respect them. They have high-quality players, but we want to win.”
Lacroix also acknowledged the threat posed by Yamal and said France’s defenders are prepared for the challenge.
“We will defend as well as we can,” he said. “Lamine is a very good player and he has shown he can hurt teams at this World Cup. We will do the work that is needed.”