Lamine Yamal on Spain vs France World Cup semi-final clash: “This is the biggest and most important game of my career, no doubts”

Spain take on France in the semi-final of the 2026 World Cup later today at the Dallas Stadium in Arlington, with a place in the final up for grabs.

La Roja’s Mikel Oyarzabal, Alex Baena, and Lamine Yamal are up against the fearsome force that is Les Bleus.

France talisman Kylian Mbappe is in sensational form, and so are Ballon d’Or winner Ousmane Dembele and Bundesliga Player of the Season Michael Olise.

Yamal knows his side will be under pressure to deliver, but they take confidence from winning their last two games against the 2018 World Cup winners.

Yamal, who turned 19 yesterday, acknowledged the importance of the game, saying (via Fabrizio Romano), ‘This is the biggest and most important game of my career, no doubts’

However, the Barcelona forward is not one to back down from a challenge.

He added, ‘There are situations tougher than a match. I need to stay calm. I know what I’m capable of, and I don’t feel the slightest bit of anxiety.’

He added that Spain are European champions and do not fear anyone before stating that the match would be a special day.

It is poised to be an exciting match-up as France eye a third successive final appearance.

But standing in their way is a Spain team that knows how to play and scrape a win under difficult conditions.

Besides Yamal, they lack the sheer star power of the French national team. However, they function as a cohesive unit.

If they bring their A-game, they can send the more favoured France packing, but it will take a massive effort, given their exploits so far.

Les Bleus look capable of going all the way again, thanks in large part to their imperious frontline and formidable midfield.

Their rock-solid central defensive pairing of Dayot Upamecano and William Saliba has gone under the radar.

There are winners everywhere across the France team, and they look extra motivated to take the game to Spain.