Spain forward Lamine Yamal said his team is not afraid of France ahead of their FIFA World Cup 2026 semi-final match.
The statement signals a surge in confidence for the Spanish squad as they enter the final stages of the tournament. Yamal's bold stance reflects the momentum Spain carries after narrowly advancing past a strong Belgian side.
Spain secured their place in the semi-finals following a 2-1 [1] victory over Belgium in Los Angeles. The match remained tense until the closing moments, when Mikel Merino scored the winning goal in the 88th minute [2]. While Yamal did not find the scoresheet during the quarter-final, his influence on the pitch helped propel Spain toward the next round.
Speaking on the upcoming clash, Yamal dismissed the notion that Spain would be intimidated by the French side. "We are not afraid of France," Yamal said [3]. He further suggested that the psychological pressure should shift toward the opponents, stating, "They should fear us" [4].
The upcoming semi-final is scheduled to take place in Dallas, U.S. [5]. The match represents a high-stakes encounter between two of the tournament's most dominant forces. Yamal, who is reported as 18 [1] but is expected to turn 19 [6] the day before the semi-final, has emerged as a focal point of the Spanish attack.
Spain's progression to the semi-finals marks a significant achievement for the team's current tactical approach. The victory over Belgium underscored their ability to maintain composure under pressure, a trait they will need to overcome France's offensive power in Dallas.
“"We are not afraid of France."”
Yamal's public confidence serves as a psychological gambit to shift the narrative of the semi-final. By framing Spain as the team to be feared rather than the underdog, the young forward is attempting to disrupt France's perceived dominance and instill doubt in the opposition before the match in Dallas.
