Mbappe's France takes on Spain for a spot in the 2026 World Cup final, with the 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, although he has failed to find the net in two semi-final appearances.

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

"[He's] not intimidating, but everyone knows what qualities he has," Cubarsi said. "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."

Spain has lost just two of its last 10 meetings with France in all competitions, 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 managed more games across the World Cup and Euros without ever losing than any other manager.

Spain is 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 said. "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."