In the FIFA World Cup 2026 match against Sweden, France secured a stunning victory by 3-0 at the New York New Jersey Stadium in East Rutherford.
Considering the side’s impressive form, several fans believe that France is among the favourites to clinch the title this year. But rising star Lamine Yamal feels that France isn’t better than Spain.
Speaking in an interview with El Partidazo de COPE, as quoted by The Score, he said, “They haven’t beaten us since the Euros. They can’t be better than us”.
The victory against Sweden also helped France to become the first team in FIFA World Cup history to score three or more goals in five consecutive matches. Skipper Kylian Mbappe scored a brace against Sweden. He found the net in the 45th minute of the game and later registered his second goal in the 74th minute. Bradley Barcola also scored a goal in the 53rd minute.
While Sweden exits the tournament after a spirited run, France marches confidently into the round of 16, where they will lock horns with Paraguay on July 5 at the Philadelphia Stadium in Pennsylvania.
Spain’s winger also downplayed the importance of teams’ performances in the group stage by saying it’s meaningless.
“The group stage is meaningless. I don’t think there’s a favourite. Obviously, France is coming in at a very high level, in very good form. They have good players, but I don’t think they’re above anyone,” said Yamal.
When asked about his dream, the 18-year-old footballer was confident about lifting the elusive trophy.
“I think I’m going to win the World Cup this year,” said Spain’s winger.
Spain began their FIFA World Cup 2026 campaign with a goalless draw against Cape Verde before responding emphatically with a 4-0 win over Saudi Arabia. The team then defeated Uruguay by 1-0 in a hard-fought contest to conclude the group stage.
FIFA World Cup 2026, Spain: Upcoming match’s date and venue
Spain is set to clash against Austria on July 3 in the round of 32 of the FIFA World Cup 2026. The Los Angeles Stadium in Inglewood will host the clash.
(With ANI Inputs)
