Spain coach Luis de la Fuente believes Lamine Yamal’s comments downplaying France’s chances at the 2026 World Cup have been distorted after the 18-year-old said France “couldn’t be better” than the European champions.
France became the bookies’ favorites from the start of the tournament after winning each of their matches by at least two goals, with Kylian Mbappe, the finals’ joint top scorer, scoring six goals, while Ballon d’Or holder Ousmane Dembélé scored four goals.
“You have to take things out of context,” De La Fuente accused. Yamal “An optimistic footballer” who was “very confident in his abilities, and very confident in the abilities of his teammates.”
“It seems to me (they are) just words. In context, they seem very positive to me,” he insisted.
“Besides, he’s a boy. I won’t talk about him because you know very well how I feel about him, as we all do.”
“What he tried to convey was simply optimism, confidence and reassurance – which I love.”
World Cup 2026: What did Lamin Yamal say?
Yamal pointed out that Spain achieved victory in its last two matches with France, as it defeated coach Didier Deschamps’ team in the semi-finals of Euro 2024 and the UEFA Nations League 2025.
“They can’t be better than us,” said the Barcelona star, speaking to El Partidazo de COPE. “The group stage is meaningless.
“I don’t think there is a favourite. France is coming in at a very high level and in very good shape. They have good players, but I don’t think they are better than any team.”
Ballon d’Or runner-up Dembele made a brief return from a serious hamstring injury as Spain held to a shock 0-0 draw with Cape Verde in their opener.
De la Fuente used Yamal in the first 45 minutes of the subsequent 4-0 win over Saudi Arabia, scoring before featuring for 79 minutes in the 1-0 win over Uruguay.
De La Fuente: France is a strong candidate for the World Cup
De la Fuente, who led Spain to European victory, said there were “a few” teams that could win the World Cup.
“France’s performance has been very good so far,” the 65-year-old said when asked if France’s performance had changed his thinking.
“They (progressed) very well, but the important thing is (to continue) well (in the final) on the 19th.
“They’re one of the big favorites, but I don’t think it’s anything new for me to say that now. It doesn’t guarantee anything.”
Spain vs Austria: De La Fuente in the World Cup squad
Spanish midfielders Rodri and Pedri played the most passes into the final third of any player still involved in the tournament, prompting De La Fuente to describe the pair as “brilliant”.
He said: “I see them very well, improving and growing, every day (they have) more confidence, more (reassurance).”
“Please, let’s not forget Fabian (Ruiz), let’s not forget (Martin) Zobimendi, let’s not forget Javi, let’s not forget (their midfield teammates).
“In fact, my hair is standing on end – what little hair I have – I think about what we leave (in reserve) when these very great players, who are the best, have to play.
“But others are better too, in my opinion. Everyone is free to discuss what they see fit.”
“In my opinion, both Pedri and Rodri have performed very well so far, and the problem I have is that I see Fabian, Zobimendi, Gavi and others in training, and they generate a lot of doubts (about team selection) for me.
“I get it right because they are so good, not because I know more or less.”
World Cup 2026: When will the Spain-Austria match take place?
Here’s when Spain and Austria will be played in different regions on Thursday, July 2, as well as viewing details in the UK.
| Kickoff (BST) | at | Pt | television | flow |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 20:00 | 15:00 | 12:00 | BBC One | bbc iplayer, BBC Sport Website |
Ralf Rangnick’s team finished second Group JHe tied with Algeria 3-3 after losing to Argentina 2-0 and beating Jordan 3-1.
The winner of the tie will meet Portugal or Croatia, who will play at 00:00 GMT on Friday, in a round of 16 clash in Dallas on July 6 (20:00).
