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Spain’s teenage sensation Lamine Yamal insists he is feeling no pressure ahead of the biggest match of his young career as La Roja prepare to take on France in the FIFA World Cup 2026 semifinal.Spain and France will face off on Tuesday, July 14, at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas, with a place in Sunday’s World Cup final at stake. The blockbuster clash kicks off at 2:00 PM local time (CT), 12:30 AM (IST). Despite being just 19 years old, Yamal remains calm ahead of the high-profile encounter and believes Spain are well-equipped to handle the occasion.“We know how to cope with adversity. And as for pressure, well, I don’t feel it,” Yamal said during the pre-match press conference, according to FIFA.The Barcelona winger also addressed criticism surrounding his recent performances, saying the semifinal is the ideal stage to prove himself.“You yourselves say I’m not at my best, so you shouldn’t expect anything from me. But I’m sure tomorrow is going to be a special day. It’s the most important match I’m ever going to play, and I’m glad to have made it this far. We’re all really excited, and me most of all. It’s undoubtedly the most important match I’m ever going to play,” he added.
Spain eye record in semi-final
Spain head into the semifinal in outstanding form, having gone 36 consecutive matches without defeat in regulation time since March 2024. Avoiding defeat against France would see La Roja equal Italy’s all-time record of 37 unbeaten matches. The head-to-head record also favours Spain. Of the 38 meetings between the two nations, Spain have won 18, while France have claimed 13 victories. More importantly, La Roja have triumphed in seven of the last 10 encounters, including memorable wins in the UEFA Euro 2024 semifinal (2-1) and the dramatic 5-4 UEFA Nations League semifinal in 2025.
How France and Spain reached Semi-final?
France topped Group I with a perfect nine points after wins over Norway, Senegal and Iraq. They then defeated Sweden (3-0), Paraguay (1-0) and Morocco (2-0) to reach the World Cup semifinals.Spain finished atop Group H with seven points, beating Saudi Arabia and Uruguay while drawing with Cape Verde. La Roja advanced to the semifinals after overcoming Austria 3-0 and edging Portugal 1-0 in the knockout rounds.
