“France should fear us, not the other way around”: Lamine Yamal fires warning ahead of World Cup semi-final

Spain booked their place in the 2026 FIFA World Cup semi-finals after a dramatic 2-1 victory over Belgium, with substitute Mikel Merino scoring a late winner to set up a blockbuster clash against France.

After Fabián Ruiz gave Spain the lead in the first half, Belgium responded through Charles De Ketelaere, whose powerful header restored parity. The match looked destined for extra time until Merino capitalized on a costly error from substitute goalkeeper Senne Lammens, who spilled a routine effort just minutes after replacing the injured Thibaut Courtois.

Spain will now face France in the semi-final on July 14 in Dallas, in a repeat of the UEFA Euro 2024 semi-final, where La Roja emerged victorious.

Speaking after the win, teenage sensation Lamine Yamal delivered a bold message ahead of the highly anticipated showdown.

“If anyone should be afraid, it should be them—we knocked them out of the Euros. Obviously, we are two great teams, among the best in the world. We’ll see what happens, but we have no fear,” Yamal said.

Spain head coach Luis de la Fuente also expressed confidence in his side’s chances against the 2022 runners-up.

“It’s fair to think we can beat France. We’re going to work hard for it. We’re the only team that has managed to beat them twice. A great team is going to face another great team,” he said.

Merino continued his reputation as Spain’s super-sub, scoring a late winner for the second consecutive knockout match to send the reigning European champions into only their second World Cup semi-final, following their title-winning campaign in 2010.

Spain also extended their unbeaten run to 36 matches, the longest in the nation’s history, while De la Fuente stretched his remarkable record to 13 consecutive World Cup and European Championship matches without defeat.

With both European heavyweights chasing a place in the World Cup final, all eyes will now be on Dallas for what promises to be one of the tournament’s biggest encounters.