FIFA World Cup 2026: France won’t fall prey to Yamal’s fear ‘trap’

Updated On: 14 July, 2026 08:44 AM IST | Boston (US) | Agencies

Ahead of tonight’s first semi-final showdown, defender Ibrahima Konate says Kylian Mbappe & Co are unfazed by teen Spanish forward Lamine’s warning that France should fear them; La Roja skipper Rodri feels Les Bleus will be tough to break down

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Spain’s Lamine Yamal during their quarter-final against Belgium last week; (right) France skipper Kylian Mbappe during their win over Morocco last week. Pics/AFP

Defender Ibrahima Konate has responded strongly to teen forward Lamine Yamal’s claims that France must be “afraid” of Spain ahead of their blockbuster FIFA World Cup 2026 semi-final tie in Arlington on Tuesday. While speaking from the French camp in Boston, the Real Madrid defender insisted Les Bleus will not fall into such “traps.”

Following Spain’s quarter-final victory over Belgium, Barcelona sensation Yamal said that France must be wary of the Spaniards given recent history between the two nations — France have lost their last two encounters against Spain in the semi-finals of the Euro 2024 and UEFA Nations League 2025.