Ahead of Spain’s 2–0 victory over France in the 2026 World Cup semi‑final, Lamine Yamal, who had just turned 19 before the clash, made a confident statement that quickly became the headline before kick‑off.
Speaking to the media, he said:
“If France have to fear anyone, it’s us. We’re the ones who knocked them out last time. We are not afraid of them.”
When the match began, Spain ensured those words were not empty. They completely outplayed France, dominated the midfield, controlled the tempo, and showed superior organisation and intensity throughout the game.
Softfootball believes Lamine Yamal talked the talk, and Spain walked the walk, delivering a performance worthy of a World Cup finalist. France struggled to create chances, were overrun in midfield, and never found a rhythm, while Spain’s structure and pressing suffocated them from start to finish.
