The 19-year-old Barcelona winger appeared confident at the press conference ahead of the 2026 World Cup semi-final. Spain aims to replicate the success of 2010.
Lamine Yamal turned 19 this Monday and celebrated with a clear message: he wants to be a world champion. The FC Barcelona winger, who spoke to the media on the eve of the France-Spain semi-final of the 2026 World Cup, did not hide his ambition. "Obviously, I see myself as a champion," he stated, with the same ease he displayed while wearing a striking necklace worth thousands of euros, a gift he bought for himself.
The young footballer, who arrived at the camp slightly injured and has been regaining his rhythm, knows that this Tuesday he has a date with history. "It's difficult, like all titles. But we all see ourselves as world champions, just like in 2010; why not?" he challenged, during the press conference held in Dallas.
Yamal has already scored one goal in the tournament, against Saudi Arabia, but he is still chasing his standout performance. He says he handles the pressure with ease. "I'm calm. I have arranged to get my hair cut with my brother and I'm really looking forward to the match," he explained, showing a more down-to-earth side.
The support of Luis de la Fuente
The Spanish coach, Luis de la Fuente, also appeared confident ahead of the match. He defended Yamal's importance and made it clear that he expects to see him shine at the decisive moment. "Lamine Yamal's big day is yet to come, and I hope it's tomorrow, and if not, in the final," the coach assured.
De la Fuente knows that the best version of the winger could be key to eliminating France for the third consecutive time in a semi-final. Spain has already overcome the French in the 2023 Nations League and the 2024 European Championship. Now, the challenge is greater: to knock out the French in a World Cup semi-final and get closer to their second star in history.
The coach also joined in on his pupil's optimism. "We want to keep competing. Winning the World Cup would be a nice cherry on top for us. We have it in our heads, even though it's difficult. I repeat: what if we do?" he declared, leaving the door open to the dream.
A birthday with a necklace and a haircut
Yamal turned 19 just a day before the semi-final. For the occasion, he allowed himself a little indulgence: a necklace, a regular accessory in his looks, always curated by Inés Segura, who accompanies him during the tournament. "It wasn't a gift because I paid for it, one from my side," the footballer said with a laugh, claiming he hasn't received many gifts yet.
Beyond the necklace, he knows what would be the best gift. "I haven't received many gifts so far; I need to see my family. I would gift myself a victory tomorrow and the chance to go to New York," he stated, referring to the final's venue. The wish is straightforward: to defeat France and play in the 2026 World Cup final.
Before the match, he will go to the hairdresser with his younger brother, Keyne, in a routine that shows the more natural side of the footballer. Keyne, about to turn four, has become a little star of the World Cup due to his exuberant celebrations, captured by cameras in Los Angeles and Dallas. "He doesn't realise. He does the same as at home. When he grows up, he will see and be happy with what he does," Yamal commented.
A message for the critics
Yamal also wanted to respond to those who say he is not at his best. "You - the press - say I'm not at my best level, so you shouldn't expect anything from me... but I hope tomorrow will be a special match," he said, with a mix of irony and confidence.
The winger knows that the night may demand more than promises. France looms as a giant obstacle, but Spain has already shown it knows how to overcome it. The 2026 World Cup semi-final takes place this Tuesday, July 14, at the Dallas stadium. The winner will face the victor of the other match, with New York as the dream setting. For Yamal, the best birthday gift is already defined: a victory that brings him closer to glory.
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