California, July 1 -- Spain star Lamine Yamal dismissed suggestions that France holds an advantage in the ongoing FIFA World Cup 2026, insisting that neither side should be considered favourites despite Les Bleus' impressive form.

Speaking in an interview with El Partidazo de COPE, as quoted by The Score, Yamal said Spain has no reason to fear France and backed his side to rise to the occasion in the knockout fixture.

"They haven't beaten us since the Euros. They can't be better than us," Yamal said of France.

The Spain star also played down the significance of the teams' performances in the group stage, saying the knockout rounds present a completely different challenge.

"The group stage is meaningless. I don't think there's a favour...