Yamal warns France as Spain secures World Cup semifinal place

Spain secured a World Cup semifinal berth on Friday, July 10, 2026, after a 2‑1 quarter‑final victory over Belgium in Inglewood, Calif., near Los Angeles. Lamine Yamal, the teenage sensation, warned that France should fear the Spanish side (Gregory Bull/AP). INGLWOOD, Calif. — The win was clinched by substitute Mikel Merino, who struck in the 88th minute at SoFi Stadium, overturning Belgium’s early lead. Yamal, named man of the match, celebrated the triumph alongside his teammates. Speaking to reporters after the game, Yamal said, “I believe if France has to fear anyone, it should be us, in my opinion.” He added that the European giants will meet Spain on Tuesday in the semifinal.

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Spain previously eliminated France in the 2024 European Championship semifinals and again in Nations League play last year. The team remains unbeaten in 37 consecutive competitive matches since March 2023, a run that includes a penalty loss to Portugal in the Nations League final. France, which has reached the last two World Cups and won in 2018, has already netted 16 goals in six tournament matches. By contrast, La Roja conceded only one goal, against Belgium, in the entire competition so far.

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Yamal, who turns 19 on Monday, has scored once in this World Cup but his right‑wing play has been pivotal. He initiated the move that led to Spain’s first goal, linking with Pedro Porro before Fabián Ruiz finished from a Dani Olmo shot. The semifinal will be staged at the home stadium of the Dallas Cowboys next week, offering Spain another chance to prove its dominance. Although Spain needed a late goal from Merino to win for the second straight match, Yamal believes his side is ready for the challenge.