Lamine Yamal shares his mindset ahead of 2026 World Cup semifinal

Spain’s national football team winger Lamine Yamal shared his expectations ahead of the 2026 World Cup semifinal against France.

Yamal turned 19 ahead of the day when one of the tournament’s main games is scheduled. The footballer spent his birthday with the Spain squad. The day began with a training session before he went under the spotlight at the pre-match press conference.

The athlete said that he doesn’t feel pressure ahead of the semifinal. According to him, football is still a game.

«There are much harder things in life than a football match. It’s a game, I know what I’m capable of and I’m not worried about anything,» The Guardian cited Yamal as saying.

The player said the clash with France ranks as the biggest match of his career. He added that Spain are the reigning Euro 2024 champions and should not fear France.

«We don’t have to talk too much, we know what we have to do,» he noted.

At the current tournament, the winger has scored one goal. Spain head coach Luis de la Fuente urged the player to put aside any unnecessary anxiety and enjoy his football.

«He’s 19, madre mia. I would say to him: relax, enjoy it. Anxiety, out! Let him enjoy it. Lamine’s great day is still to come at this World Cup. I hope it’s tomorrow and, if not, in the final,» Luis de la Fuente said

Yamal has faced France twice at the senior level and scored in both matches. He found the net in the Euro 2024 semifinal before scoring a hat trick in Spain’s 5-4 Nations League victory.

«I’m not worried about scoring, all that matters is winning, but hopefully a goal comes tomorrow and it’s a great day. What I want as a present is a win,» the footballer added.

The France-Spain semifinal is scheduled for July 14. The winner will face the winner of the Argentina-England semifinal.