Lamine Yamal added another remarkable milestone to his rapidly growing legacy even before kick-off in the FIFA World Cup 2026 final, becoming the first player in football history to feature 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 XI 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 featured in Spain’s victorious UEFA Euro 2024 final campaign. By stepping onto the field for the World Cup showpiece, he became the first teenager to appear in the finals of both of international football’s biggest tournaments.The historic achievement underlines the extraordinary rise of the Barcelona winger, who has become an indispensable figure for Spain despite being just 19 years old.
Teenager powers Spain’s run to the final
Yamal has been one of the standout performers throughout Spain’s World Cup campaign.He played a decisive role in La Roja’s 2-0 semifinal victory over France, winning the penalty after dispossessing Lucas Digne that 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 defence frustrated France throughout the contest, limiting Kylian Mbappe and Aurelien Tchouameni before sealing a sixth clean sheet in seven matches.The European champions have combined defensive solidity with attacking flair during the tournament and now stand just one victory away from lifting their second FIFA World Cup trophy, having previously triumphed in South Africa in 2010.
Spain stick with winning formula
Spain head coach Luis de la Fuente kept faith with the same starting XI that defeated France in the semifinals.Unai Simon started in goal behind a back four of Pedro Porro, Aymeric Laporte, Pau Cubarsi and Marc Cucurella. Captain Rodri anchored the midfield alongside Fabian Ruiz and Dani Olmo, while Yamal partnered 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 victory over England.Argentina made three changes from that semifinal, recalling Gonzalo Montiel, Rodrigo De Paul and Nicolas Gonzalez to the starting lineup alongside Messi and Julian Alvarez.While much of the spotlight before the final centred on Messi’s bid for back-to-back World Cup titles and another piece of history, Yamal quietly etched his own name into the record books.
- Spain starting XI: Unai Simon, Pedro Porro, Aymeric Laporte, Pau Cubarsi, Marc Cucurella, Rodri (captain), Fabian Ruiz, Dani Olmo, Lamine Yamal, Mikel Oyarzabal, Bryan Zaragoza.
