FIFA World Cup 2026: "France can't be better than us," says Spain's Lamine Yamal
California, July 1
Spain star Lamine Yamal dismissed suggestions that France holds an advantage in the ongoing FIFA World Cup 2026, insisting that neither side should be considered favourites despite Les Bleus' impressive form.
Speaking in an interview with El Partidazo de COPE, as quoted by The Score, Yamal said Spain has no reason to fear France and backed his side to rise to the occasion in the knockout fixture.
"They haven't beaten us since the Euros. They can't be better than us," Yamal said of France.
The Spain star also played down the significance of the teams' performances in the group stage, saying the knockout rounds present a completely different challenge.
"The group stage is meaningless. I don't think there's a favourite," he said in an interview with El Partidazo de COPE, as quoted by The Score.
"Obviously, France is coming in at a very high level, in very good form. They have good players, but I don't think they're above anyone," he added.
When asked about his dream ahead of the final phase, the Barcelona star said, "I think I'm going to win the World Cup this year."
Spain began their FIFA World Cup 2026 campaign with a goalless draw against Cape Verde before responding emphatically with a 4-0 win over Saudi Arabia.
They then edged past Uruguay 1-0 in a hard-fought contest to conclude the group stage. Yamal, who was not fully fit at the start of the tournament, started Spain's opening match on the bench and made a late substitute appearance.
Spain will now face Austria in the Round of 32 contest on July 3 (IST) at the Los Angeles Stadium.
France, on the other hand, have qualified for the Round of 16 after they thrashed Sweden 3-0, with their skipper and Real Madrid ace striker Kylian Mbappe scoring a sensational brace.
— ANI
Reader Comments
Honestly, I think Yamal is overconfident here. France hasn't beaten Spain since the Euros? That's true, but look at their current form — 3-0 vs Sweden, Mbappe hitting top gear. Spain barely scraped past Uruguay. Football is about the present, mate. Still, respect the young lad's spirit. Let's see what happens 🏆
As someone who grew up watching Spain's tiki-taka era, I'm thrilled to see them back with this energy. Yamal is the real deal — fearless and talented. But saying "I'm going to win the World Cup" at 18 is quite the statement! Hope he backs it up with performances. India needs to take notes from these young sports stars 😄
I think Yamal is absolutely correct that group stage form doesn't matter in knockout games — we've seen so many upsets in World Cup history. But he should be more careful with words. France has immense depth and experience. Spain's draw against Cape Verde is worrying, no matter how they say it. Let's not count chickens before they hatch! 🐔
Yamal's confidence is refreshing! In cricket, we love when Virat Kohli or Shubman Gill talk like this. But in football, it's different — one mistake and you're out. Spain needs to improve their finishing in the knockout rounds. Still, as a neutral Indian fan, I'm rooting for Spain just for the entertainment value! 🇮🇳⚡
Respect to Yamal's confidence, but it
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