Lamine Yamal’s remarkable record against Kylian Mbappé in knockout matches continued at the 2026 FIFA World Cup as Spain defeated France 2-0 in the semi-finals to book their place in the final. The win extended Yamal’s unbeaten streak against French superstar Kylian Mbappe in club and international football.Despite Kylian Mbappe being one of the top goalscorers in FIFA World Cup history and Lamine Yamal taking part in his first World Cup, the Spanish teenager has always come out on top every time the two have met in a knockout match. While Mbappe boasts the superior individual numbers, Yamal has a perfect 6-0 record against the French superstar in single-elimination matches.Here’s a look at every knockout matchup between the two stars:
UEFA Euro 2024 semi-final: Spain 2-1 France
The rivalry began on the international stage in UEFA Euro 2024. France struck first through Randal Kolo Muani, but Yamal produced one of the goals of the tournament with a sensational long-range effort to level the score. Dani Olmo then found the winner before half-time as Spain completed the comeback to reach the final, handing Mbappe his first knockout defeat against the teenage sensation.
2025 Super Cup Final: Barcelona 5-2 Real Madrid
Their first El Clásico final saw Mbappe open the scoring for Real Madrid, but Yamal responded with Barcelona’s equalizer in the 22nd minute. The Catalan giants dominated the rest of the contest to lift the trophy, giving Yamal his second straight win to KO Mbappé.
2025 Copa del Rey Final: Barcelona 3-2 Real Madrid
The two met in another domestic final a few months later. Mbappé found the net once again, but Yamal influenced the game with two assists despite not scoring. Barcelona beat Real Madrid 3-2 to lift the Copa del Rey, extending Yamal’s perfect knockout record.
UEFA Nations League 2025 semi-final: Spain 5-4 France
The rivalry returned to international football in a thrilling Nations League semi-final. Yamal scored twice, including a penalty, while Mbappé also converted from the spot. Spain survived a late French comeback to win 5-4 and advance to the final, where they finished runners-up to Portugal. It was another KO triumph for Yamal over Mbappé.
2026 Super Cup Final: Barcelona 3-2 Real Madrid
Yamal made it five wins from five knockout matches as he inspired Barcelona to another Spanish Super Cup triumph over Real Madrid in Jeddah. The Catalans won 3-2 in another hotly contested final, leaving Mbappé on the losing side once again.
FIFA World Cup 2026 Semi Final: Spain 2-0 France
The latest chapter has arrived on football’s biggest stage. Spain defeated France 2-0 in the semi-finals of the FIFA World Cup 2026 to reach their first World Cup final since their title in 2010. Neither Yamal nor Mbappé found the score, but Spain’s collective performance was too strong for France.