New Delhi: Spain’s rising superstar Lamine Yamal has delivered a bold warning to France ahead of their FIFA World Cup 2026 semi final, declaring that the reigning European champions are the team the 2018 world champions should be worried about. Fresh from Spain’s 2-1 victory over Belgium in the quarter finals, the teenage sensation expressed complete confidence in his side’s ability to overcome one of the tournament favourites.
Yamal, who was named Player of the Match against Belgium, reminded reporters that Spain had previously eliminated France on their way to winning the UEFA European Championship and insisted his team has no reason to fear any opponent.
The Barcelona forward described France as one of the strongest teams in world football but maintained that Spain possesses the quality to challenge and defeat them once again. He said the upcoming semi final would be a clash between two world class sides but stressed that Spain enters the contest with confidence rather than intimidation.
Reflecting on the win over Belgium, Yamal believed Spain deserved the result despite requiring a goalkeeping mistake to secure the decisive goal. He argued that Spain dominated the match and claimed opponents have consistently adopted defensive tactics against his side rather than matching them in open play, making games more difficult despite Spain’s attacking style.
Although several leading stars, including Lionel Messi, Kylian Mbappe, Erling Haaland and Harry Kane, have been among the tournament’s top scorers, Yamal said he is not concerned about his own goal tally. Instead, he insisted his focus remains on helping the team in every possible way, whether through creating space, drawing defenders or contributing to the overall performance.
The 18 year old added that winning the World Cup is far more important than individual statistics, saying people will remember the champions rather than who scored the most goals. Spain will now face France in a highly anticipated semi final as they bid to reach their first FIFA World Cup final since lifting the trophy in 2010.
Sorry, there was a YouTube error.
