With only 24 hours remaining before Spain takes on France in the 2026 World Cup semifinal, Spanish attacker Lamine Yamal made it clear that they are not intimidated by the French squad, echoing sentiments similar to Pedro Porro. He maintained that he feels entirely relaxed ahead of what will be a career-defining fixture, while also confidently stating his conviction that Spain can lift the trophy.
Addressing the media alongside manager Luis de la Fuente—a press appearance that Yamal specifically requested to attend—the forward voiced his confidence in their title chances and predicted a memorable match ahead. “I am sure that tomorrow is going to be a special day,” Yamal said.
The FC Barcelona starlet, who celebrated his 19th birthday on Monday, emphasized that the intense spotlight does not weigh on him at all. “There is no pressure. I play the way I know how, and I am never going to play better or worse than I know. I always give my all, and when you give your all, you do not feel pressure,” Yamal noted.
During the media session preceding Tuesday’s July 14 showdown at Dallas’s ATT Stadium, Yamal revealed that he can truly picture himself “as a World Cup champion”.
Lamine looks to make history This was Yamal’s reaction to statements from former Spanish Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy, who had commented on the lack of native French players in France’s squad. Beyond that, the teenager’s self-assurance regarding a standout performance on the pitch was unmistakable.
“I believe that tomorrow we are going to play a very important match and there is no room for that. But if soccer is good for anything, it is to integrate into society, and if two teams set an example, they are France and Spain. However, in soccer, there is no room to talk about that,” Yamal stated.
The forward remains unbothered by whatever defensive chains France manager Didier Deschamps might deploy to contain him. “I do not feel pressure. You say that I am not at my best level, so you do not have to expect anything from me. But tomorrow I am confident that it will go well,” he stressed.
Still has to prove himself in this World Cup Admittedly, Yamal has yet to fully set this tournament alight with his displays. Although his absolute best form has eluded him so far on the world stage, his elite capabilities are undeniable, and he remains a clutch performer who steps up in key moments—a trait Luis de la Fuente recognizes completely.
Echoing the faith shown by Dani Olmo, De la Fuente expressed absolute trust in his young prodigy: “He has to be calm and enjoy. No anxiety. Lamine’s big day in the World Cup is yet to come, so I hope it is tomorrow.”
Discussing the strategy to counter France, the head coach remarked: “We have studied France very closely. They have exceptional players, but so do we. The key is trying to impose our characteristics on each other. In any case, we will be very attentive to them, winning duels, helping each other, being protagonists with our style, and we have to be careful with their transitions, which are very fast.”
