Lamine Yamal, 19, has responded to criticism about his performance in the 2026 World Cup ahead of the semi-final against France: 'Don't expect anything from me'. The Barcelona winger, yet to score in the tournament, is confident he can surprise.
The Barcelona winger and Spanish national team player, Lamine Yamal, appeared on Monday at a press conference at the AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Dallas, on the eve of the 2026 World Cup semi-final against France. At just 19 years old, the young talent wanted to address those who claim his level in the World Cup has not met expectations.
“You 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,” Lamine Yamal stated to the media. The Rocafonda footballer has not scored any goals so far in the World Cup, but he insists he is not worried about his lack of accuracy.
“I don't think it's the coach's fault that I haven't scored five goals. These are things that happen in the game, I'm not worried. I've seen Spain eliminated from the World Cup and that hasn't happened yet; that's the only important thing and I hope to score another goal tomorrow,” he added.
No pressure and confidence in the team
Lamine Yamal insisted that he does not feel pressure from playing such a crucial match. “There is no pressure, I play as I know and I will never play better or worse than I know. I always give my all and when you give your all, you don't feel pressure,” he explained. He also expressed confidence that Spain can be crowned world champions: “Yes, I see myself as a world champion.”
The winger described this semi-final as the most important match of his career: “It's in the top 1, honestly, it is the most important match I will play and I am glad to have made it here. We are all very excited, and I especially.”
No fear of France and eager for revenge
The Barcelona player was emphatic when asked if he fears France, a team that Spain has already eliminated in the semi-finals of the 2024 European Championship and the 2025 Nations League. “It was not misinterpreted. I was asked if I was afraid of France and I said, obviously not. We are the European champions and we are not afraid of any match,” he asserted.
“We are the European champions and we are not afraid of any match”
Lamine Yamal also analysed the opponent's style of play: “The match will have phases. We have players of great quality in all aspects. Their attacking strength can be something good for us.”
The footballer expressed pride in being a recognised star even in the United States, where the World Cup is having a significant impact. “Football has given me the opportunity to be known in Chattanooga, for example. I value it a lot, I could never have imagined it. I am very proud of it,” he confessed.
The semi-final between Spain and France will take place this Tuesday at the AT&T Stadium in Arlington, which has a capacity of over 80,000 spectators. The winner will face the victor of the other semi-final, which pits Argentina against Portugal. For fans, this is an unmissable event: a match that could mark a turning point in the history of Spanish football.
You may also like
