The Spanish winger asserted that Spain is the team with the most reasons to approach the match with confidence. The clash against France will take place after eliminating Belgium in the quarter-finals.
Lamine Yamal does not hold back. The young attacker of the Spanish national team delivered a direct and unwavering message ahead of the World Cup 2026 semi-final against France. After eliminating Belgium 2-1, the winger made it clear that La Roja's dressing room feels no pressure, but quite the opposite.
A fearless message for the rival
In statements collected in the mixed zone, Yamal stated that Spain and France are the two best teams in the tournament. But he went further: "If anyone should be afraid of someone, it's them of us; we are the ones who have eliminated them before." The player recalled the favourable precedents, such as the Euro 2024 final, where Spain defeated France.
The FC Barcelona winger insisted that Luis de la Fuente's team arrives with solid arguments. "I can't wait for it to arrive. Since the World Cup started, everyone has been expecting this match. Without any fear, if anyone can go against France with confidence, it's us," he asserted.
"If anyone should be afraid of someone, it's them of us; we are the ones who have eliminated them before. We are two top teams, world-class, for me the two best, we'll see what happens but we have no fear"
Tactical analysis of the duel against France
Yamal also detailed what he expects from the match. He anticipated an intense France, with a lot of quality up front and a very physical team, but he does not believe they will press for the full 90 minutes. "No team is going to play us one-on-one all over the pitch," he explained. The attacker is confident that Spain's plan, based on possession and movement, can neutralise the French.
The duel presents itself as a modern classic of world football. Both teams boast top-level squads and a history of encounters in decisive matches. For fans, the clash is one of the most anticipated of the tournament, with a time yet to be confirmed that promises millions of viewers.
Yamal's physical and mental state
The Spanish winger acknowledged that he arrived at the World Cup with a muscle discomfort, but his progress has been positive. "I'm feeling much better; I came from an injury, and every week that passes I'll be better. I'm arriving with a lot of confidence; I know everything will go well, and I'm prepared," he commented. His physical growth is key for Spain, which needs his imbalance and speed to break through the French defence.
Yamal also downplayed his lack of goals in the tournament. "It doesn't frustrate me. I won the Euro by scoring one goal. If I win the World Cup and don't score again, no one will say anything to me. We win, and that's it. As long as we keep progressing, I'll be very happy," he said with a smile. For the player, the collective is more important than the individual.
The human side: a family detail
Beyond football, Yamal shared a moment that brought a smile to his face before the match against Belgium. "Yesterday I was with the physio, and he called me with my mother's phone. He said he was going to stick out his tongue; I saw him on the screens, and it made me very happy," he recounted. The player confessed that he was looking forward to celebrating his partner's birthday and seeing his younger brother.
With this mix of confidence, good physical condition, and a touch of humanity, Yamal is preparing for the semi-final. Spain is already among the four best in the world, and the message from the dressing room is clear: against France, La Roja will not shrink. The match will take place at the Lusail Stadium in Doha, with a time yet to be defined. Fans can expect a thrilling clash between two footballing powerhouses.
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