Lamine Yamal has thrown down the gauntlet ahead of Spain's semifinal against France, declaring La Roja fear no one as they prepare for Tuesday's blockbuster in Dallas.

Fresh off a Player-of-the-Match display in Spain's 2-1 quarterfinal win over Belgium, the Barcelona winger made his message unmistakably clear.

"We're really excited. Everyone was expecting this game, and we're the two best teams at this World Cup. We're not afraid at all. If anyone can go into it with confidence, it's us," Yamal said.

The comments underline the swagger running through this Spain side, unbeaten in the tournament and now eyeing a repeat of their Euro 2024 triumph over the same opponents.

Reflecting on the win over Belgium, Yamal admitted the relief of progressing outweighed any personal disappointment at not scoring.

"I'm really happy, and now it's time to think about the next one. I'm happy we got through, and I felt good.

"It doesn't frustrate me [not scoring]. I won the Euros, scoring just one goal. As long as we keep advancing, I'll be very happy.”

The 18-year-old, who will turn 19 before the France match, came into the World Cup on the back of an injury layoff.

The winger insists he is only getting sharper. “I'm feeling better and better, and every week I'll improve.”

On France's threat, Yamal expects an early storm before Spain assert control. "A team that will come at us, but not for the whole game. They're very physical, but we'll try to keep the ball," he explained.

Having scored against France in Spain's Euro 2024 semifinal win, Yamal is chasing a repeat.

"Hopefully I can do it again. I really want to," he said, before signing off with a message to fans: "Believe in us. We're just two steps away."