FIFA World Cup 2026: "No anti-Lamine Yamal plan", Rabiot says, France focused on 'Spanish national team'
Dallas, July 14
France midfielder Adrien Rabiot stressed his side is not preparing a specific plan only for Spain's Lamine Yamal, stressing that France would focus on Spain's overall attacking threat, including their possession, movement, creativity, and ability to find spaces.
France will take on an in-form Spain side that advanced to the last four after defeating Belgium 2-1 in the quarterfinals. Spain enters the contest on a 36-match unbeaten run and will be aiming to secure a place in the FIFA World Cup 2026 final.
"There is no anti-Lamine Yamal plan. We are focusing on the Spanish national team, not just one player. We know they are dangerous across the board: him, the attacking players, their possession, their ability to find spaces near the box, and their combination play. We have to be alert to all of that. I don't think we should focus solely on one individual," Adrien Rabiot said as per Goal.com.
The winners of the semifinal will book their place in the title clash scheduled for July 19 (Local Time).
France have enjoyed the most convincing and controlled knockout-stage campaign among the four remaining teams. After finishing top of Group I, they opened the knockout rounds with a commanding 3-0 victory over Sweden in the Round of 32.
They then edged past Paraguay 1-0 in a closely contested Round of 16 before producing another disciplined display to defeat Morocco 2-0 in the quarter-finals and secure their place in the last four.
France have scored six goals in the knockout stages without conceding a single one, underlining their defensive discipline and control under pressure.
Even in tightly contested encounters, their structure has remained solid, while France captain Kylian Mbappe has continued to provide the cutting edge in attack when it matters most.
— ANI
Reader Comments
Spain's 36-match unbeaten run is incredible yaar. That's almost three years without losing! But France under Deschamps is like a well-oiled machine—they know how to grind out results. My only worry is France's attack sometimes goes missing in big games, but Mbappe can change things in a flash. Should be a cracker of a semifinal!
Honestly, France are looking like the favorites to me. They've beaten Sweden, Paraguay, and Morocco without conceding—that's dominance. Spain have been good too, but their defense can be vulnerable against pace. If Mbappe gets space, it's goodnight. Just hope the referee doesn't spoil the match with soft fouls. Come on, let the players decide! 🏆
Rabiot is wise to say that. Spain's tiki-taka possession game can tire out any defense, and they have players who can unlock tight spaces. France's physicality and counter-attacking style is a good matchup though. I just feel Spain's midfield trio of Pedri, Gavi, and Rodri might outplay France's midfield duo of Rabiot and Tchouameni. Should be a tactical battle! 🧠⚽
"No anti-Lamine Yamal plan" — that's what you say before the kid scores a hat-trick! 😂 Jokes aside, France's defense has been incredible in this World Cup. Zero goals conceded in three knockout matches is no joke. But Spain has that 36-match unbeaten streak, so something has to give. I'm backing France 2-1, with Mbappe scoring the winner. Mark my words!
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