Yamal set for historic World Cup final as Spain advance past France
Lamine Yamal, who turned 19 on the eve of the semi-final, is poised to become the third-youngest player in World Cup final history as Spain face either England or Argentina.
Spain’s 19-year-old Lamine Yamal is preparing for his first World Cup final following the national team’s 2-0 semi-final victory over France. The match, held on Tuesday, 14 July 2026, at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas, secured Spain’s place in the championship decider, which is scheduled for Sunday in New Jersey against either England or Argentina.
Yamal, whose full name is Lamine Yamal Nasraoui Ebana, celebrated his 19th birthday on the eve of the semi-final. He contributed significantly to the victory by winning a penalty in the 20th minute, which was converted by Mikel Oyarzabal. Pedro Porro added a second goal in the 58th minute to seal the win. Yamal is set to become the third-youngest player to feature in a World Cup final, a distinction previously held only by Pelé and Giuseppe Bergomi.
Born in Esplugues de Llobregat, Yamal is of Moroccan descent through his father and Equatoguinean descent through his mother. A product of Barcelona’s La Masia academy, he broke into the first team in the 2023-24 season and played a key role in securing a domestic treble, including the La Liga title, Copa del Rey, and Supercopa de Espana. His playing style, often compared to Lionel Messi and Neymar, is characterised by pace, dribbling, and passing.
Despite an injury prior to the World Cup that affected his group stage form, Yamal has remained Spain’s primary advantage creator in attack. He has scored one goal in the tournament so far and has started 12 games across the World Cup and European Championship combined, winning all of them. This represents a 100 percent win rate for any European player starting in these competitions.
Yamal, a practising Muslim, is known for celebrating goals with sajdah, the act of prostration. He has also demonstrated solidarity with Palestine, notably waving a Palestinian flag during Barcelona’s trophy parade earlier this year. If Spain wins the final, Yamal would complete a rare World Cup and European Championship double at the age of 19.
