Spain approaches the semifinal clash against France in the 2026 FIFA Men’s World Cup with confidence. Star winger Lamine Yamal, 19, communicated his belief in Spain’s potential success. “If France should fear anyone, it’s us,” he remarked. Yamal referenced their past triumphs over France, adding, “We have knocked them out. We have beaten them two times. Honestly, I think we’re the two best teams at the World Cup, so we’ll see what happens, but we do not have any fear.”
Although Yamal has only scored once in his debut World Cup, his impact extends beyond statistics. His on-ball skills demonstrate his brilliance. Spain’s manager, Luis de la Fuente, expressed confidence that Yamal’s highlight moment is imminent. “I’d tell Lamine to stay calm, to enjoy it, and above all, to set aside any anxiety,” de la Fuente shared. “Forget the anxiety. Let him enjoy football the way he knows how, and I repeat once again: The big day for Lamine is yet to come at the World Cup. I hope it’s tomorrow, and if not, in the final, if we can get there.”
The pressure to find the net weighs heavily on France. Led by Kylian Mbappé, with eight goals, France boasts the most robust attack in the World Cup. However, Spain has showcased a formidable defense, allowing only one goal throughout the tournament. Despite this, they have yet to confront someone as lethal as Mbappé, who has scored 20 goals in 20 World Cup appearances. Notably, since the knockout stage began, France has kept a clean sheet. Predicting this match’s outcome is no easy feat.
As Yamal highlighted, this high-stakes encounter marks the third significant meeting between Spain and France since 2024. Spain previously defeated France in the 2024 European Championships semifinal, claiming their fourth Euro title, and again in the 2025 Nations League semifinal before losing to Portugal in the final. Spain refrains from underestimating France despite past victories.
“France are much better now than what they were when we faced them before,” de la Fuente acknowledged. “Individually, they have grown. Mbappé is better, [Ousmane] Dembélé is better. As a team, they are better. We have also improved as well.” France aims for their third consecutive World Cup final after winning in 2018 and losing to Argentina in 2022. Meanwhile, Spain seeks their first World Cup title since 2010.
Argentina and England are set for the other semifinal. This marks the first time the top-four FIFA-ranked teams are the last four standing in a Men’s World Cup. The winner between Spain and France will seek glory in the final, scheduled for Sunday, July 19.