Spain is now using Mexico's "What if it does?" and social media explodes: "First they stole the gold, now our phrase!"

The coach of the Spanish national team, Luis de la Fuente, surprised everyone by adopting the famous "What if it does?", a phrase popularized by Mexican fans during the 2026 World Cup. His statements, made prior to the semifinal against France, sparked a wave of reactions among Mexican fans, who accused Spain of appropriating the slogan that accompanied El Tri's historic run in the World Cup.

Below, we tell you what the Spanish strategist said and how social media reacted.

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¿Por qué España adoptó el "¿Y si sí?" de México?

The phrase "What if it does?" became one of the most popular slogans among Mexican fans during the 2026 World Cup. It was born as an expression of hope following El Tri's perfect run in the Group Stage, where they finished undefeated and without conceding a single goal.

Prior to the semifinal between Spain and France, Luis de la Fuente used that expression again when asked about the chances of winning the world title.

"It is true that it would be a nice icing on the cake to win a world championship. One has it here in their head, knowing that it is very difficult, but as I would say, again, thinking that I repeat it, what if it does?"

Mexicanos reaccionan al "¿Y si sí?" de España

Reactions on X were immediate. Some users felt that Luis de la Fuente should not have used a phrase so closely identified with Mexican fans, arguing that "What if it does?" ended up being associated with El Tri's elimination in the round of 16.

Others accused Spain of appropriating the Mexican slogan and even made jokes related to gold and the Spanish conquest. There were also those who turned to the song "Lo Que Le Pasó a Hawaii" by Bad Bunny to express their discontent through memes.

Among the posts that drew the most attention are:

• "Primero el oro, ahora nuestra frase".
• "Bueno, felicidades, Francia, por tu victoria. España ya se saló".
• "Esa frase es de mala suerte, es como haber agarrado el trofeo antes".
• "Lo que ellos no saben es que esa frase ahora está maldita y trae mala suerte cuando es usada afuera de su tierra".
• "No les bastó con robar el oro y colonizar".
• "Quieren quitarme el río y también la playaaa, quieren el barrio mío y que abuelita se vaya".
• "Ya se llevaron el oro y ahora el '¿Y si sí?'... ¿Qué más?!!!".
• "¿No les fue suficiente la conquista? Váyanse al diablo".

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España vs Francia: fecha, horario y dónde ver la semifinal del Mundial 2026

The match between Spain and France, corresponding to the 2026 World Cup semifinals, will be played this Tuesday, July 14, at 1:00 PM (Central Mexico time) at Dallas Stadium, Texas, United States.

In Mexico, the match can be followed on TUDN, Canal 5, TV Azteca, and ViX Premium.

Spain and France will seek a pass to the grand final of the World Cup, where only one will have the opportunity to lift the most important trophy in international soccer.