Spain’s Lamine Yamal (AP Photo)
Lamin Yamal has added another remarkable achievement to his rapidly growing legacy even before the 2026 World Cup final kicks off, becoming the first player in football history to feature in a UEFA European Championship final and a FIFA World Cup final as a teenager.The 19-year-old took his place in Spain’s starting line-up against defending champions Argentina in the title match at MetLife Stadium in New York/New Jersey, achieving a feat unrivaled by any teenage footballer.
Yamal is one of the brightest stars in world football, having previously competed in the Euro 2024 finals, which Spain won. By taking to the field to watch the World Cup final, he became the first teenager to appear in the finals of the two largest international football tournaments.The historic achievement confirms the extraordinary rise of the Barcelona winger, who has become an indispensable figure for Spain despite being only 19 years old.
A teenager leads Spain to the final
Yamal was one of the standout players throughout Spain’s World Cup campaign.He played a decisive role in La Roja’s 2-0 win over France in the semi-finals, winning the penalty after Lucas Digne was denied the ball and captain Mikel Oyarzabal scored to open the scoring.
Pedro Porro added the second goal after the break after an excellent move by Dani Olmo, while Yamal’s goal was disallowed due to offside.Spain’s disciplined defense frustrated France throughout the match, limiting Kylian Mbappe and Aurelien Chouamini before sealing a sixth clean sheet in seven matches.The European champions combined defensive solidity and attacking flair throughout the tournament, and they are now just one victory away from lifting their second FIFA World Cup title, having previously won in South Africa in 2010.
Spain sticks to the winning formula
Spain coach Luis de la Fuente maintained his confidence in the same starting lineup that defeated France in the semi-finals.Unai Simon started in goal behind the back four of Pedro Porro, Aymeric Laporte, Pau Kuparsi and Marc Cucurella. Captain Rodri centered the midfield alongside Fabian Ruiz and Dani Olmo, while Yamal partnered captain Mikel Oyarzabal and Brian Zaragoza in attack.Standing between a second world title was Lionel Messi and defending champions Argentina, who reached the final after a dramatic 2-1 win over England.Argentina made three changes since the semi-final match, summoning Gonzalo Montiel, Rodrigo De Paul and Nicholas Gonzalez to the starting lineup alongside Messi and Julian Alvarez.While much of the spotlight ahead of the final was focused on Messi’s quest for back-to-back World Cup titles and another piece of history, Yamal quietly etched his name into the record books.
- Spain in the starting lineup: Unai Simon, Pedro Porro, Aymeric Laporte, Pau Cuparci, Marc Cucurella, Rodri (captain), Fabian Ruiz, Dani Olmo, Lamine Yamal, Mikel Oyarzabal, Brian Zaragoza.
