Lamine Yamal has declared that France should fear Spain more than any other team heading into their July 14 World Cup semi-final. Spain booked their last-four spot by beating Belgium 1-0 in the quarter-finals, marking their first semi-final since winning the 2010 World Cup. France are chasing a third consecutive World Cup final appearance after reaching the final in both 2018 and 2022.
Yamal's Bold Warning
The Barcelona teenager, who celebrates his 19th birthday the day before the fixture, pointed to Spain's recent record against France as grounds for confidence. According to Fabrizio Romano on X, Yamal said: "I think that if France has to fear anyone, it's us… as we're the ones who have knocked them out before."
Spain's Path to the Semi-Finals
La Roja secured their place in the final four after Mikel Merino's late winner gave Spain a 1-0 victory over Belgium in the quarter-finals. According to Dario AS, it is the first occasion since lifting the trophy in 2010 that Spain have advanced to the semi-final stage of a World Cup, making their current run all the more significant.
France's Quest for a Third Final
France, meanwhile, are bidding to reach a third successive World Cup final. Les Bleus claimed the title in 2018 with a commanding 4-2 win over Croatia in Moscow, then returned to the final four years later in Qatar, only to fall short against Argentina on penalties after a dramatic draw.
History Favours Spain Ahead of Semi-Final
Despite both nations accumulating 17 World Cup appearances, Friday's contest will be only the second time they have faced each other at the tournament. Their solitary previous meeting came in the 2006 Round of 16, when France fought back from a David Villa penalty to win 3-1. In the broader head-to-head picture, Spain hold the upper hand, leading the all-time series with 17 wins against France's 13, with seven draws from 37 meetings. Recent form reinforces that advantage: Spain beat France 2-1 in the Euro 2024 semi-finals and edged them 5-4 in the UEFA Nations League semi-finals as recently as June 5, 2025.
What's at Stake
With Spain seeking a second world title and France chasing a record-equalling third final appearance in a row, the stage in Dallas is set for one of the most compelling semi-final contests in recent World Cup memory. The match will take place on July 14 in Dallas, Texas.
