Spain's Lamine Yamal Warns France Before World Cup Semifinal Clash

Spain star Lamine Yamal put France on notice during an interview with with Juanma Castaño for El Partidazo de Cope on June 30.

“They haven’t beaten us since the Euros," the 18-year-old wunderkind said. "They can't be better than us.”

Yamal doubled down after Spain beat Belgium, 2-1, in Friday’s quarterfinal to set up a meeting with France in the semifinal at AT&T Stadium on Tuesday, July 14.

“If France should fear anyone, it’s us,” Yamal said, per ESPN’s Sam Marsden. “We have knocked them out. We have beat 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.”

Spain defeated France in the 2025 UEFA Nations League semifinal before losing to Portugal in the final. Before that, Spain eliminated France in the 2024 European Championship semifinal before winning a fourth Euro title over England. Yamal totaled three goals across those two matches.

According to Fabrizio Romano, Yamal also pointed out that there are only “two options” when La Roja clash with Les Bleus: France will reach a third straight men’s World Cup final, or Spain will beat them for a third straight matchup.

In other words, France and Spain will shatter the World Cup theatre meter. Start popping the popcorn now.

It will be strength on strength. France has scored more than nation at this World Cup with 16 goals, led by Kylian Mbappe and his tournament-most eight goals. Meanwhile, Spain kept five clean sheets entering the quarterfinal. Charles De Ketelaere’s goal for Belgium is the only goal conceded by Spain at the World Cup. Something will have to give.

Yamal is making his World Cup debut this summer, and, while he’s been limited to one goal, he has backed up all the hype. He’s a wizard on the ball and can create chances out of thin air, and Spain will need that in spades against France.

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This story was originally published July 10, 2026 at 9:49 PM.