Lamine Yamal warns France: They should be afraid of us
Lamine Yamal believes Spain have nothing to worry about heading into their sensational World Cup semi-final against France and insists Didier Deschamps’ side should be looking over their shoulder. The teenage sensation made the bold statement after Spain beat Belgium 2-1 in the quarter-finals, setting up a heavyweight showdown with Kylian Mbappe’s France in Dallas on July 14.
A fresh view of the next player of the match, Yamal admitted that this was the match everyone was expecting when the tournament started.
Spain vs Belgium, FIFA World Cup: HIGHLIGHTS
“We are really excited. When the World Cup started, we all expected this match. I think we are the two best teams in the tournament,” Yamal said after Spain booked their place in the final four.
The Barcelona winger also made it clear that Spain have no intention of changing their identity against one of the tournament favourites.
“I expect a team that will come at us, but not for the whole match. We will play as we can,” he added.
Then came the turn that will only spice up Tuesday’s semifinals.
“I think if France have anyone to fear it’s us because we’re the ones who knocked them out before.”
The commentary refers to Spain’s memorable 2-1 win over France in the semi-finals of UEFA Euro 2024, where the then 16-year-old Yamal announced himself on the biggest stage with a spectacular long-range strike before Dani Olmo completed the comeback. Spain went on to lift the European title and Yamal believes recent history gives his side every reason to approach the next meeting with confidence.
YAMAL WANTS FRANCIS AGAIN
Spain’s belief has only grown during this World Cup. Luis de la Fuente’s side swept past Austria, Portugal and now Belgium, Mikel Merino again proving to be the hero after coming off the bench to score a dramatic late winner in the quarter-finals.
Yamal, meanwhile, may only have one goal in this tournament, but his overall impact has been huge. The teenager leads the World Cup in chances created with 17 and has scored nine shots in Spain’s last two matches, underlining how central he has become to La Roja’s attack.
“We are the BEST TEAMS IN THE WORLD CUP. Everyone has been waiting for this game since the start of the tournament.”
Lamine Yamal, on Spain-France. pic.twitter.com/PxB0yEdE7k— Ataque Futbolero (@AtaqueFutbolero) July 10, 2026
However, individual numbers are the last thing on his mind.
“It doesn’t frustrate me. I won the Euros and scored only one goal. As long as we continue, I will be very happy. The team matters,” he said.
Asked if he would like another iconic moment against France, Yamal smiled: “I hope I can do it again. I really want to.”
MBAPPE VS YAMAL: THE BIG SEMI-FINALS Clash
The two biggest stars of world football will also face each other in Tuesday’s match.
Mbappe arrives in sensational form, leading the race for the Golden Boot alongside Lionel Messi with eight goals and three assists in five games. Yamal’s stats tell a different story. Although he only found the net once, he was constantly Spain’s creative heart and troubled defenders with his dribbling, movement and vision.
However, the reputation won’t do well for Yamal once the whistle blows.
“We are not afraid. We beat France in the last two games,” he said.
“We are very happy to be in the semi-finals. We were far better. All the other teams are behind us. We came here to win and that’s all that matters.”
“They should be afraid of us. We’ve beaten them twice. We’re not afraid of them. I think we’re the two best teams.”
With Spain chasing just its second ever World Cup final and France seeking a third straight appearance in the title game, Dallas is set for a finals-worthy matchup. And if Yamal’s words are anything to go by, Spain head into this with the belief that the pressure belongs entirely to their opponents.
Football World Cup | FIFA World Cup Schedule | FIFA World Cup Points Table | football news
– The end
Issued by:
Debodinna Chakraborty
Published on:
11 Jul 2026 04:49 IST