FIFA World Cup 2026: Spain celebrate Yamal, Munoz birthdays ahead of semi-final against France

TEXAS: Spain’s men’s national football team celebrated the birthdays of youngsters Lamine Yamal and Victor Munboz as the squad continued preparations for its FIFA World Cup 2026 semifinal against France.

The official X account of the Spanish Men’s National Football Team shared a video from the team’s camp with the caption, “We want to be here until the 19th,” reflecting Spain’s ambition to reach the World Cup final and remain in the tournament until its conclusion.

The video showed Yamal and Munoz celebrating their birthdays alongside teammates, with the pair cutting a specially designed cake as the squad marked the occasion.

“Queremos estar aquí hasta el día 19”

Lamine Yamal y Víctor Muñoz celebran su cumple rodeados de todos sus compañeros y con una tarta que tiene pintón.#VamosEspaña | #CopaMundialFIFA pic.twitter.com/gbjuMg2CHQ

— Selección Española Masculina de Fútbol (@SEFutbol) July 13, 2026

The celebrations came on the eve of Spain’s semifinal clash against France, with the European giants aiming to secure a place in the World Cup final.

Barcelona star Yamal had earlier said his team has no fear of facing one of the tournament favourites, France. Speaking to TV Espana, as quoted by The Athletic, Yamal recalled Spain’s previous success against France and backed his side to compete against the European giants.

“If anyone should be afraid, it should be them — we knocked them out of the Euros. Obviously we are two great teams, among the best in the world. We’ll see what happens, but we have no fear,” Yamal said to TV Espana, as quoted by The Athletic.

Yamal’s comments came after La Roja defeated Belgium 2-1 in a neck-to-neck quarter-final contest in the ongoing 23rd edition.

Coming to the match, Fabian Ruiz, starting ahead of Pedri, opened the scoring after capitalising on a rebound, while Charles De Ketelaere equalised for Belgium just before halftime.

Spain goalkeeper Unai Simon’s run of 560 consecutive World Cup minutes without conceding ended, surpassing Walter Zenga’s previous tournament record.

Belgium suffered a blow when goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois was forced off injured, and substitute Mikel Merino netted the winner.

Yamal was named Player of the Match, and the victory extended Spain’s unbeaten streak to 36 matches, equalling Argentina’s run from 2019 to 2022 and leaving them one short of Italy’s world-record 37-game unbeaten streak. (ANI)