If Spain fails to overcome France in the 2026 FIFA men’s World Cup semifinal on Tuesday, July 14, it won’t reflect a lack of confidence. ‘If France should fear anyone, it’s us,’ stated 19-year-old winger Lamine Yamal last week. ‘We have knocked them out. We have beaten them twice. 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, in his maiden World Cup, has scored once, but his goal count doesn’t convey his true impact. Observing his play off the ball showcases his real brilliance. Spain manager Luis de la Fuente anticipates Yamal’s standout moment is imminent. ‘I’d tell Lamine to stay calm, to enjoy it, and above all, to set aside any anxiety,’ de la Fuente expressed on Monday, July 13. ‘Forget the anxiety. Let him enjoy football the way he knows how, and I repeat once again: The big day for Lamine is yet to come at the World Cup. I hope it’s tomorrow, and if not, in the final, if we can get there.’
France carries the expectation to score. With the most formidable attack led by Kylian Mbappé’s eight goals, France confronts Spain’s steadfast defense, which has allowed just one goal during the tournament. However, Spain has yet to encounter anyone as formidable as Mbappé, who boasts 20 goals in 20 World Cup matches. Notably, France hasn’t conceded a goal since the knockout phase began.
The match marks the third high-pressure contest between these nations since 2024. Spain overcame France in the 2024 European Championships semifinal, securing a fourth Euro title, and defeated France again in the 2025 Nations League semifinal before succumbing to Portugal in the final. Despite Spanish confidence, complacency isn’t an option. ‘France are much better now than what they were when we faced them before,’ remarked de la Fuente. ‘Individually, they have grown. Mbappé is better, [Ousmane] Dembélé is better. As a team, they are better. We have also improved as well.’
France aims for a third consecutive World Cup final appearance, having triumphed in 2018 and lost to Argentina in 2022, while Spain seeks its first World Cup title since 2010. Argentina and England contest the other semifinal, making it the first instance of the top four FIFA-ranked teams reaching this stage at a men’s World Cup. May the best team emerge victorious on Sunday, July 19.