New Delhi:Spain will face France in the semifinal of theFIFA World Cup 2026 at the Dallas Stadium in Arlington on Wednesday, July 15. Mikel Merino netted
a late goal as Spain defeated Belgium 2-1 to set up the showdown against the Les Blues.
Ahead of the crucial match, Lamine Yamal has fired a warning to France, saying that they should fear Spain. This will be the third meeting between the two nations in the last three years, with Spain beating France in the semifinals of the European Championships in 2024 and the UEFA Nations League in 2025.
“If France should fear anyone, it’s us. We have knocked them out [before]. We have beaten 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.” Yamal told reporters after the match.
This will be Spain’s second World Cup semifinal in the tournament’s history, and first since they lifted the title in 2010. France are aiming to reach a third consecutive final after winning the title in 2018, and finishing as runners-up in 2022.
‘The expectations are very, very high for the next game’: Spain coach Luis de la Fuente
Spain head coach has said that the expectations are really high for the next game, and they have the quality to beat France. He further added that the match will be very demanding and they need to be at their best.
“The expectations are very, very high for the next game. We’re concentrated on this next game and very well aware of the potential of our opponent at the next game. But also we are very clear that we are able to beat France,” Spain coach Luis de la Fuente said.
France and Spain were among the pre-tournament favourites to lift the title in North America, but the Spanish team hasn’t delivered dominant performances so far. They began their campaign with a goalless draw against Cape Verde before securing wins against Saudi Arabia and Uruguay.
Spain thrashed Austria 3-0 in the Round of 32 clash, but needed late winners against Portugal and Belgium to advance. Yamal has scored just one goal in six appearances in the ongoing World Cup.
