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Lamine Yamal confident Spain can overcome France in World Cup semi-final
11th July, 2026 01:43 PM
Spain winger Lamine Yamal says his team will head into their FIFA World Cup 2026 semi-final against France with complete belief after edging Belgium to book a place in the last four.
The highly anticipated clash in Dallas is expected to be one of the tournament’s biggest spectacles. France boast an explosive attack led by Kylian Mbappe, Ousmane Dembele and Michael Olise, while Spain have built their campaign on defensive discipline, conceding only once throughout the competition and recording five consecutive clean sheets.
Recent history also favours the Spaniards. They defeated France 2-1 in the UEFA EURO 2024 semi-finals before producing a thrilling 5-4 victory in the 2025 UEFA Nations League finals. France, meanwhile, are chasing a third consecutive appearance in a FIFA World Cup final.
Spain secured their semi-final place with a hard-fought 2-1 success over Belgium in Los Angeles, giving Luis de la Fuente’s side another opportunity to challenge for football’s biggest prize.
Reflecting on the upcoming encounter, Yamal expressed confidence in Spain’s chances while acknowledging the significance of the occasion.
Not afraid of France
“There are two possibilities: either they reach three World Cup finals in a row, or we beat them three times. I don’t know what might happen, but we’re not afraid at all,” Spain star Lamine Yamal said.
“I’m really happy with the win. Back in the semi-finals again. That’s what we came here for, to play these matches and win them. Now it’s time to rest and start thinking about the match against France.”
The teenage sensation was named Superior Player of the Match after another outstanding display against Belgium, where Mikel Merino’s late strike sealed Spain’s passage into the final four.
Although Yamal has found the net only once during the World Cup, the 18-year-old insisted that individual numbers are far less important than collective success.
“Obviously I wanted to score because it helps the team, but I don’t go out onto the pitch thinking about that. If I win the World Cup, I don’t think anyone’s going to remember how many goals I’ve scored or missed. If we win, we’ll all be happy. If I win the [player of the match award], all the better, but above all, I want the team to win.”
Yamal’s impact
Yamal also highlighted the impact of his movement, explaining that his contribution extends beyond goals and assists.
“I know that my runs draw in a lot of opponents and that I can leave a team-mate unmarked. The important thing is that we’ve come here to win, and anything I can do to help, even if I don’t touch the ball in a move, will be a good thing.” He said.
“I think the whole goal business has got into everyone’s heads, and we won the European Championship with me scoring just one goal. I only scored one goal then, and I’ve already scored one this time. They can rest easy.”
Spain will now turn their full attention to France as they seek another victory over Les Bleus and a place in the FIFA World Cup 2026 final.
