'Three finals in a row or beat them three times': Yamal on Spain-France semifinal

It is the unstoppable attack against the almost impenetrable defence.

The upcoming FIFA World Cup 2026 semifinal between France and Spain has all the makings of a classic, pitting the irresistible attacking trio of Kylian Mbappe, Ousmane Dembele and Michael Olise against a Spain side that have conceded just one goal at the tournament after keeping five successive clean sheets.

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Spain have won their last two meetings with France – a 2-1 victory in the UEFA EURO 2024 semifinals and a thrilling 5-4 win in the 2025 UEFA Nations League final. France, meanwhile, are seeking a place in a third successive FIFA World Cup final.

Something has to give, but Spain will head into the semifinal showdown in Dallas brimming with confidence after their 2-1 victory over Belgium in the quarterfinals in Los Angeles on Saturday.

“There are two possibilities: either they reach three World Cup finals in a row, or we beat them three times. I don’t know what might happen, but we’re not afraid at all," Spain star Lamine Yamal said.

"I’m really happy with the win. Back in the semifinals again. That’s what we came here for – to play these matches and win them. Now it’s time to rest and start thinking about the match against France."

Yamal was once again named Superior Player of the Match after another standout display, with Mikel Merino scoring a late winner at Los Angeles Stadium to seal Spain's place in the semifinals.

The 18-year-old has scored just one goal so far at the World Cup, but his focus remains solely on the team's performance.

"Obviously I wanted to score because it helps the team, but I don’t go out onto the pitch thinking about that. If I win the World Cup, I don’t think anyone’s going to remember how many goals I’ve scored or missed. If we win, we’ll all be happy. If I win the [player of the match award], all the better, but above all, I want the team to win.

"I know that my runs draw in a lot of opponents and that I can leave a team-mate unmarked. The important thing is that we’ve come here to win, and anything I can do to help – even if I don’t touch the ball in a move – will be a good thing.

“I think this whole goal business has got into everyone’s heads, and we won the European Championship with me scoring just one goal. I only scored one goal then, and I’ve already scored one this time. They can rest easy.”