Spain forward Lamine Yamal has expressed confidence that his team can win the 2026 FIFA World Cup, insisting France are no stronger than La Roja despite their impressive start to the tournament.
The 18-year-old Barcelona winger made the bold prediction as Spain prepare for the knockout stage, saying he expects to lift the trophy in North America.
France have emerged as one of the favourites after finishing the group stage with a perfect record, but Yamal believes Spain have every reason to be confident if the two sides meet later in the competition.
Speaking to COPE’s Tiempo de Juego, Yamal dismissed suggestions that Didier Deschamps’ side should be considered superior.
“There’s no team that’s impossible to beat. France is not better than us; they haven’t beaten us since the European Championship. There’s no favorite. No one is ahead of us,” he said.
“When a competition arrives, I think I’m going to win. It’s what I have in mind now. I think I’m going to win the World Cup.”
Young star focused on success
Yamal also spoke about how he would react if Spain were crowned world champions, saying he does not expect to become emotional even after achieving football’s biggest prize.
“I never get excited, I don’t cry. I cried when I got injured, when I saw my mother cry. If I win the World Cup I’m not going to cry, it’s impossible,” he said.
Asked whether he would celebrate with a commemorative tattoo, Yamal replied: “I can’t get a tattoo because I’m Muslim but I wouldn’t tattoo anyone.”
Knockout stage now the priority
Spain have received criticism for some of their displays during the group phase, but Yamal believes the team’s performances will improve as the tournament progresses.
“People are saying we can play better, but we’re focused on staying calm, winning first, and then we’ll improve,” he said.
“We can improve, we are much better than the level we are showing, but I want to win. You have to go out and play well and win. We have to have faith. The group stage doesn’t mean anything now.”
Spain will face Austria in the Round of 32 as they continue their pursuit of a second World Cup title. Victory would move them a step closer to a possible meeting with France later in the tournament, where Yamal’s confidence could face its biggest test.