‘There is no anti-Lamine Yamal plan’ - Adrien Rabiot talks Barcelona star ahead of World Cup clash

France star Adrien Rabiot says that his team do not have an “anti-Lamine Yamal plan” ahead of World Cup 2026 semi-final with Spain on Tuesday.

The two sides meet in Dallas with a place in Sunday’s final up for grabs. Much will be expected of Yamal in the game, but Rabiot claims France do not have a specific strategy when it comes to facing the Barca star.

“There is no anti-Lamine Yamal plan. We are focused on the Spanish team, not on a single player,” he told reporters.

“We know they are dangerous in every aspect: him, their attacking players, their ball possession, their ability to find space near the box, and their combination play. We have to be aware of all of that. I don’t think we should focus solely on one individual.”

There has been a little tension between Rabiot and Yamal in the past. Rabiot said the Barca star needed to “do more” ahead of the Euro 2024 semi-final and was then trolled by Yamal after he scored a brilliant goal in a 2-1 win.

The two sides meet in Dallas with a place in Sunday’s final up for grabs. Much will be expected of Yamal in the game, but Rabiot claims France do not have a specific strategy when it comes to facing the Barca star.

“There is no anti-Lamine Yamal plan. We are focused on the Spanish team, not on a single player,” he told reporters.

“We know they are dangerous in every aspect: him, their attacking players, their ball possession, their ability to find space near the box, and their combination play. We have to be aware of all of that. I don’t think we should focus solely on one individual.”

There has been a little tension between Rabiot and Yamal in the past. Rabiot said the Barca star needed to “do more” ahead of the Euro 2024 semi-final and was then trolled by Yamal after he scored a brilliant goal in a 2-1 win.

Yet Rabiot seemed to have a little trouble remembering what he said about Yamal when quizzed by reporters ahead of Tuesday’s match.

“I don’t remember those statements exactly. But if I said them, it was because that’s what I thought at the time. This is still a football match, and we’re not afraid of anyone,” he said.

“Given our journey so far, we’ve arrived at this semifinal in the best possible condition. Everything is in our favor. Honestly, I think it would have been very difficult to be better prepared. The pitch will decide, because this is still football.”

The winner of the semi-final between the two teams will go on to play either Argentina or England in the World Cup final.