Lamine Yamal makes a bold claim of “no pressure” ahead of the World Cup semi-final between Spain and France.

Lamine Yamal (Image: ANI) Spanish teenage sensation Lamine Yamal insists he feels no pressure ahead of the biggest game of his young career as La Roja prepare to take on France in the 2026 World Cup semi-finals.Spain and France will meet on Tuesday, July 14 at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas, with a place at the World Cup finals on Sunday at stake. The blockbuster clash starts at 14:00 local time (CT), 00:30 (IST). Despite being just 19, Yamal remains calm ahead of the momentous encounter and believes Spain are well-equipped to rise to the occasion.“We know how to deal with adversity. And as for the pressure, I don’t feel it,” Yamal said during the pre-match press conference, according to FIFA.The Barcelona winger also addressed criticism surrounding his recent performances, saying the semi-final is the perfect stage for him to prove himself.“You say yourself that I’m not at my best, so don’t expect anything from me. But I’m sure tomorrow will be a special day. It’s the most important game I’ll ever play and I’m happy to have made it this far. We’re all really excited and I’m more than anything. It’s without a doubt the most important game I’ll ever play,” he added.

Spanish eye record in the semi-finals

Spain go into the semi-finals in excellent form, having gone 36 consecutive matches without defeat in regular time since March 2024. By avoiding defeat to France, La Roja would equal Italy’s all-time record of 37 games without defeat. The mutual balance also favors Spain. Of the 38 meetings between the two nations, Spain have won 18, while France have claimed 13 victories. More importantly, La Roja have triumphed in seven of their last 10 meetings, including memorable wins in the semi-finals of UEFA Euro 2024 (2-1) and a dramatic 5-4 UEFA Nations League semi-final in 2025.

How did France and Spain reach the semi-finals?

France topped Group I with a perfect nine points after wins over Norway, Senegal and Iraq. They then beat Sweden (3-0), Paraguay (1-0) and Morocco (2-0) to reach the semi-finals of the World Cup.Spain finished top of Group H with seven points after beating Saudi Arabia and Uruguay and drawing with Cape Verde. La Roja advanced to the semi-finals after defeating Austria 3-0 and defeating Portugal 1-0 in the knockout rounds.