Lamine Yamal has caused a huge stir because of comments he made about France ahead of their 3-0 victory over Sweden on Tuesday night. Kylian Mbappe and co. showed why they are among the favourites for glory this summer with yet another barnstorming attacking performance, as the Real Madrid star combined with Ousmane Dembele and Michael Olise to coast to victory.

The result means Les Bleus will take on Paraguay in the World Cup Round of 16. However, with the way this year’s knockout bracket has fallen, it may not be long before they come up against Yamal’s Spain. A mouthwatering semi-final clash could be on the cards if both sides continue their winning form. It would appear the teenage sensation is already eyeing up that potential showdown with a strong sense of confidence.

Yamal, who remains just 18 until July 13, has never been afraid to talk a big game. That was evident when he put Real Madrid on blast for “robbing” ahead of the El Clasico in October. Sometimes his confidence is vindicated, and he performs exactly as he promises; other times, he’s been left to eat his words.

His comments about France have now added extra fuel to the fire ahead of what could be a blockbuster encounter deeper into the tournament.

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During a recent interview, Yamal was asked whether France is better than Spain. His answer was short, sweet, and guaranteed to get people talking. He said (watch the full segment in Spanish below):

He goes on to explain that “previous matches don’t matter”, and that there are no “clear favourites” at the World Cup because of the nature of knockout football. But Yamal has come under fire for his comments, with one X user remarking: “He’s lost it,” as another added: “He never learns. Always yaps before match and ends up getting spanked every time.”

A third wrote – in part, reference to the fact Yamal snubbed all French players when naming the three players that have impressed him this summer: “If it ends up France vs Spain, Mbappe’s gonna punish ’em.” Meanwhile, a fourth concluded: “Talks too much for someone who hasn’t won anything yet.”

France Look the Real Deal Again Under Didier Deschamps

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It’s one thing having squad depth so impressive that it allows you to leave the likes of Desire Doue and Rayan Cherki on the bench, but it’s an entirely different ball game getting the best out of the talent at your disposal. Right now, Didier Deschamps appears to have struck that balance perfectly, with France navigating a 100% start to the 2026 World Cup while firing on all cylinders.

The slick passages of play in the final third have understandably grabbed the headlines, but not enough is being said about how complete this French side looks in every phase of their game. Their counter-attacking displays are a sight to behold, yet it is every player’s willingness to track back and contribute defensively that has laid the foundations for what are arguably the standout performances of the tournament so far. In many ways, they have the look of a team with every box ticked.

Yamal has often shown in the past that he can walk the walk after talking the talk, but France currently look like the team to beat. As things stand, only Argentina appear capable of giving the 2018 winners a run for their money. But of course, football has a habit of making fools of predictions, and only time will tell how it all pans out.