Yamal eyes semi-final before Belgium quarter-final

Lamine Yamal is already looking beyond the quarter-final. Before facing Belgium this Friday in the World Cup, the FC Barcelona star spoke to Mundo Deportivo about a potential semi-final, fully embracing his ambition.

Spain is playing its first World Cup quarter-final since winning in South Africa in 2010. After eliminating Austria in the round of 16 and then Portugal in the quarter-finals, La Roja are one match away from a semi-final that would hold particular significance for the Catalan. The potential opponent would be France — against whom Spain won in the Euro 2024 semi-final (2-1) and then in the 2025 Nations League semi-final (5-4) — or Morocco, the country of origin of Yamal’s father.

“We have good memories of France, and it would be very special for me to play against Morocco,” he said. “The advantage is that they are two great teams at a high level. Whoever our opponent is, we will try to win and reach the final.”

Despite a mixed start to the competition, the 17-year-old approaches the clash against Belgium with claimed serenity. He explains his gradual improvement as the tournament progresses: “The more important matches approach, the semi-finals or the final, the better I play. I have never been the best player in the group stage, but that doesn’t worry me. I know I will have the chance to prove it and I hope the match against Belgium will be a great match for the whole team.”

Yamal insists on his ability to raise his level in decisive moments: “In the end, these are the moments, from the round of 16 to the quarter-finals, that stay in people’s memories. That’s when I am most motivated. I approached this run with serenity to arrive at this stage in top form. I feel in top form and eager to show what Spain represents and what I am capable of.”