FIFA World Cup 2026: Lamine Yamal ready for French challenge in the semi-final

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Spain wonderkid Lamine Yamal said he is embracing the biggest challenge of his career rather than feeling burdened by expectations as his Spanish team prepare to take on France in the first semi-final of the FIFA World Cup 2026 at Dallas Stadium.

Despite the incredible stakes of the match, the teenage Barcelona attacker Lamine Yamal remained poised in the press conference.

“We know how to cope with adversity. And as for pressure, well, I don’t feel it,” said Yamal during the pre-match press conference.

“You yourselves say I’m not at my best, so you shouldn’t expect anything from me, but I’m sure tomorrow is going to be a special day. It’s the most important match I’m ever going to play. And I’m glad to have made it this far. We’re all really excited, and me most of all. It’s undoubtedly the most important match I’m ever going to play,” he said.

Spain’s coach wants his players to enjoy the challenge of facing France

Spain head coach Luis de la Fuente echoed Lamine’s sentiments, insisting his side has learned to balance responsibility with enjoyment throughout the tournament.

“Playing in the World Cup semi-final, after all the FIFA World Cups I’ve watched on the telly, now we’re the ones in the spotlight,” said De la Fuente.

“We’ve never shirked the responsibility that this entails. We’ve always played with that responsibility, and we know what we represent, but we’ve also enjoyed something as wonderful and important as playing football on these stages. It’s a question of striking a balance, but we mustn’t let the responsibility make us nervous,” he added.

Spain stands on the edge of history, carrying a 36-match unbeaten streak in regular time dating back to March 2024, leaving them just one match away from matching Italy’s legendary record of 37 games without defeat.

“I tell [the players] to enjoy what they have today. You’re privileged. We’re privileged. We’re going to play football, and we have exceptional footballing potential. Let’s do what we know how to do. That’s the pressure I put on them, look how soft I am, so that they can fulfil their full footballing potential,” he added.

(With inputs from ANI)

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