FIFA World Cup 2026: If France have to fear anyone, it should be Spain, says Yamal

Spain’s Mikel Merino celebrates his winner against Belgium during their quarter-final clash in Los Angeles on Friday. PICS/AFP

Lamine Yamal thinks France should be afraid of Spain with the European giants headed to a World Cup semi-final showdown on Tuesday.

"I believe if France has to fear anyone, it should be us, in my opinion," the teenage sensation told broadcast reporters after Spain beat Belgium 2-1 on Friday to secure its first semifinal berth since 2010. "We were the ones who knocked them out before." Spain beat France in the 2024 European Championship semi-finals and again in Nations League play last year.

The powerhouses meet again at the home stadium of the Dallas Cowboys next week for a spot in the final. "We don't fear anyone," said Yamal, who was named the man of the match against Belgium. "It's clear that we are two great teams, world-class national teams, and for me they are one of the best. We'll see what happens."

Yamal cited Spain's acumen in ball possession - a stat they've repeatedly dominated during this World Cup - as a way to take France out of its preferred style of play. "I think we were much better, [than Belgium]," Yamal said.

"It seems like we're playing very beautiful football, but in reality, there isn't a team that plays against us on equal footing. Everyone drops back, and that makes it more difficult. Nobody has gone toe-to-toe with us. But in the end, we secured the win," he added.

Six
No of appearances for Lamine Yamal at the FIFA World Cup - the most ever for a player aged 18 or younger