Konaté fires back at Yamal’s confident claims ahead of World Cup semi-final clash
Ibrahima Konaté
Abdullateef Fowewe
France and Real Madrid defender, Ibrahima Konaté has responded to Lamine Yamal’s bold pre-match comments, as the two European powerhouses prepare to meet in the FIFA World Cup 2026 semi-finals.
The highly anticipated match is scheduled for Tuesday, July 14, 2026, at AT&T Stadium in Dallas, Texas (kick-off 3:00 PM ET / 19:00 GMT).
Spain’s teenage star Lamine Yamal expressed strong confidence in a recent interview, pointing to Spain’s recent dominance over France.
“If France have to fear anyone, it should be us, because we were the ones who knocked them out. We don’t feel any fear,” said Yamal.
Yamal also downplayed France’s superiority, noting that Spain had not lost to them since the Euros and asserting that recent form showed Spain as the stronger side in their matchups.
In a press conference on Sunday, Konaté addressed the comments directly without escalating the war of words, “He can say whatever he wants. We’ll prepare in the best way possible, and at the end of the match, we’ll see who it works out for.
“Are we afraid of Spain? No, no, no. Honestly, we don’t pay attention to what’s being said. We shouldn’t fear anyone. We have to stay humble and not fall into that trap, especially at this stage of the tournament.”
The response underscores France’s focus on preparation and composure as they aim to reach a third consecutive World Cup final.
Spain, meanwhile, will look to make history by eliminating France for a third straight major tournament.
This semi-final promises to be one of the highlights of the 2026 World Cup, pitting two of the tournament’s most in-form teams against each other.
