Lamine Yamal added another remarkable milestone to his fast-growing legacy even before kick-off FIFA World Cup Final 2026, becoming the first player in football history to take part in both a UEFA European Championship final and a FIFA World Cup final as a teenager.The 19-year-old sensation took his place in Spain’s starting eleven against defending champions Argentina in the title clash at the MetLife Stadium in New York/New Jersey, achieving a feat unmatched by any teenage footballer.Already one of the brightest stars in world football, Yamal had previously appeared in Spain’s victorious UEFA Euro 2024 final campaign. Stepping onto the field for the World Cup exhibition, he became the first teenager to appear in the finals of the two biggest international football tournaments.The historic success highlights the extraordinary rise of the Barcelona winger, who has become an indispensable figure for Spain despite his 19 years.
Teenager powers the race of Spain until the end
Yamal has been one of the most important performers in Spain’s World Cup campaign.He played a decisive role in La Roja’s 2-0 semi-final win over France, winning the penalty after setting up Lucas Digne which captain Mikel Oyarzabal converted to open the scoring. Pedro Porro added the second after the break following an excellent move involving Dani Olmo, while Yamal also had a goal ruled out for offside.Spain’s disciplined defense frustrated France throughout the contest, limiting them Kylian Mbappé and Aurelien Tchouameni before sealing a sixth clean sheet in seven games.The European champions have combined defensive solidity with attacking flair throughout the tournament and are now one win away from lifting their second FIFA World Cup trophy, having triumphed in South Africa in 2010.
Spain remains with the winning formula
Spain head coach Luis de la Fuente kept faith with the same starting XI that defeated France in the semi-finals.Unai Simon started in goal behind the four of Pedro Porro, Aymeric Laporte, Pau Cubarsi and Marc Cucurella. Captain Rodri anchored the midfield alongside Fabian Ruiz and Dani Olmo, while Yamal joined skipper Mikel Oyarzabal and Bryan Zaragoza in attack.Standing between Spain and a second world title were Lionel Messi and defending champions Argentina, who reached the final after a dramatic 2-1 comeback win over England.Argentina made three changes from that semi-final, recalling Gonzalo Montiel, Rodrigo De Paul and Nicolas Gonzalez to the starting line-up alongside Messi and Julian Alvarez.While most of the spotlight before the final was focused on Messi’s bid for back-to-back World Cup titles and another piece of history, Yamal quietly etched his own name in the record books.
- Spain starting eleven: Unai Simon, Pedro Porro, Aymeric Laporte, Pau Cubarsi, Marc Cucurella, Rodri (captain), Fabian Ruiz, Dani Olmo, Lamine Yamal, Mikel Oyarzabal, Bryan Zaragoza.