Lamine Yamal admitted that Spain have ‘no fear’ of France as the two sides prepare to meet in the World Cup semi-final.

Spain managed to get the better of Belgium in their quarter final thanks to another late goal from super-sub Mikel Merino.

That means Yamal and co will face off against France, who beat Morocco in their quarter-final, setting up a meeting of the two heavyweights.

Speaking to reporters after the game, a calm Yamal admitted that Spain aren’t afraid of France or the likes of Kylian Mbappe.

“I am so happy. We go to semi finals, we keep going. I am always closed off, with multiple players on me,” he said.

“But there’s always a free player, as it happened in the first goal”.

“We have no fear. We have beaten France in the last two games.”

Norway coach Stale Solbakken said the showdown between Erling Haaland and Harry Kane will go a long way to deciding his side’s World Cup quarter-final against England on Saturday.

Haaland has struck seven times in his first four appearances at a major tournament to fire Norway to the last eight for the first time on their return to the World Cup after a 28-year absence.

Kane is just one goal behind the Manchester City striker for the tournament after taking his World Cup tally to 14 as he has helped England reach a third consecutive quarter-final.

“I think it’s Norway versus England but I don’t think it is a secret that Kane is the match winner number one for England and Haaland is the match winner number one for us,” Solbakken said at his pre-match press conference in Miami.

Solbakken’s counterpart Thomas Tuchel was recruited by the English Football Association to get a talented generation of players over the line after a series of narrow misses at major tournaments under his predecessor Gareth Southgate.

By contrast, Norway are in their first major tournament of any kind for 26 years and have exceeded expectations, most notably in stunning 2-1 win against Brazil thanks to Haaland’s late double in the last 16.

“Every game has been the most important (in history) for Norwegian football, especially in the knockout rounds, so this is the third time it is the most important game,” added Solbakken. “I feel the players are in a relaxed but competitive mood.

“I think England has more pressure than us, but we also put pressure on our performance. When the game has started I don’t think the players think so much about the pressure when it’s eleven versus eleven.”

Super Falcons Head Coach Justine Madugu has unveiled a 25-player squad for the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON), with captain Rasheedat Ajibade, goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie and veteran forward Asisat Oshoala among those selected to defend Nigeria’s continental crown.

Madugu’s squad for the tournament, scheduled to hold in Morocco from July 26 to August 16, also includes experienced campaigners such as Osinachi Ohale, Jennifer Echegini, Michelle Alozie, Christy Ucheibe, Toni Payne, Esther Okoronkwo and Francisca Ordega.

Home-based goalkeeper Fatima Oloko of Abia Angels also made the final list.

One of the biggest surprises in Madugu’s selection is the omission of Al-Ittihad defender Ashley Plumptre. The former Leicester City star was a key member of the Super Falcons squad that clinched the continental title last year and has remained one of the team’s most influential defenders.

Nigeria, the defending champions and record holders with 10 WAFCON titles, have been drawn in Group C alongside Egypt, Zambia and tournament debutants Malawi. All their group-stage matches will be played in Rabat, Morocco’s administrative capital.

The 14th edition of the competition will feature 16 teams for the first time. The four semi-finalists will qualify automatically for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Brazil, while the fifth-placed team will advance to an intercontinental playoff tournament.

The Super Falcons secured their 10th African title after defeating hosts Morocco 3-2 in last year’s final and will be aiming to extend their dominance on the continent with an 11th championship.

Goalkeepers: Chiamaka Nnadozie (Brighton & Hove Albion, England), Comfort Erhabor (Portsmouth Ladies, England), Fatima Oloko (Abia Angels)

Defenders: Osinachi Ohale (Pachuca Tuzas, Mexico), Michelle Alozie (Chicago Stars FC, USA), Shukurat Oladipo (AS Roma, Italy), Rofiat Imuran (London City Lionesses, England), Glory Ogbonna (FC Kiryat Gat, Israel), Oluwatosin Demehin (Galatasaray, Turkey), Sikiratu Isah (Bnot Netanya, Israel), Christy Ucheibe (SL Benfica, Portugal)

Midfielders: Rasheedat Ajibade (Paris Saint-Germain, France), Halimatu Ayinde (BK Hacken, Sweden), Deborah Abiodun (Washington Spirit, USA), Toni Payne (Everton Women, England), Jennifer Echegini (Paris Saint-Germain, France)

Forwards: Asisat Oshoala (Al Hilal, Saudi Arabia), Gift Monday (Washington Spirit, USA), Esther Okoronkwo (AFC Toronto, Canada), Joy Omewa (BK Hacken, Sweden), Francisca Ordega (Ittihad Ladies, Saudi Arabia), Folashade Ijamilusi (Liaoning Shenyang Shenbei Hefeng, China), Omorinsola Babajide (AS Roma, Italy), Chinwendu Ihezuo (Pachuca Tuzas, Mexico), Uchenna Kanu (Cruz Azul Femenil, Mexico).