Yamal’s confidence in Spain’s form
Spain teenager Lamine Yamal has expressed strong confidence in his team’s ability to face France in the upcoming FIFA World Cup 2026 semi-final. Following Spain’s 2-1 quarter-final victory over Belgium at Los Angeles Stadium, Yamal stated that France should be concerned about playing Spain, rather than the other way around. He highlighted Spain’s recent successes against Didier Deschamps’ side, including eliminating them in the UEFA Euro 2024 semi-finals and defeating them again in the 2024-25 UEFA Nations League.
Yamal, an 18-year-old winger for Barcelona, dismissed suggestions that Spain should approach the semi-final with caution. He asserted that if any team should be fearful, it is France, given Spain’s track record against them. He believes that both teams are among the best in the World Cup and that Spain has no fear.
The upcoming match in Arlington, Texas, will mark the third competitive encounter between Spain and France in the last three years, intensifying their rivalry. Spain secured their semi-final spot with a late winning goal from substitute Mikel Merino against Belgium, after Fabián Ruiz’s opener was cancelled out by Charles De Ketelaere.
Spain’s journey to the semi-finals
Spain’s victory over Belgium extended their national team’s longest unbeaten run to 36 matches, a streak that began after a 1-0 defeat to Colombia in March 2024. During this period, Spain has recorded 27 wins and nine draws. This marks only Spain’s second appearance in a World Cup semi-final, with their last being when they lifted the trophy in South Africa in 2010.
Despite their unbeaten run, Spain’s path through the tournament has presented challenges. They started with a goalless draw against Cape Verde, then secured victories over Saudi Arabia and Uruguay to top their group. In the knockout stages, they comfortably defeated Austria 3-0 in the Round of 32, followed by narrow wins against Portugal and Belgium, both decided by late goals from Merino.
Yamal acknowledged that Spain might not always appear dominant, attributing this to the defensive strategies adopted by their opponents. He noted that other teams tend to play cautiously against them, but ultimately, Spain has consistently secured victories. He emphasized the team’s happiness to reach the semi-final and their desire to stay in the tournament until the final.
Coaches’ perspectives and upcoming clash
Spain’s head coach, Luis de la Fuente, echoed Yamal’s confidence while also acknowledging the strength of France. He stated that expectations are very high for the next game and that the team is well aware of France’s potential. However, he expressed certainty in Spain’s ability to beat them, referencing their past success against France in a semi-final.
De la Fuente anticipates a demanding and energetic match, requiring Spain to perform at their best. He also suggested that the respect between the two teams is mutual, believing that France will also be wary of facing Spain. He highlighted that Spain is the only team to have beaten France two games in a row, setting the stage for a significant encounter between two strong teams.
France arrives in Arlington with an impressive record, having won all six of their matches in the tournament. Didier Deschamps’ side advanced through Group I with maximum points and then defeated Sweden, Paraguay, and Morocco in the knockout rounds. Kylian Mbappé, France’s captain, has been a key player, leading the Golden Boot race with eight goals. The semi-final between Spain and France is scheduled for Tuesday in Dallas.
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Source: bbc.com
