Lamine Yamal makes history, becoming the first teenager to play in the Euro and FIFA World Cup final | Football news

Spanish Lamine Yamal (photo AP)

Lamine Yamal added another significant milestone to his rapidly growing legacy even before the start of the FIFA World Cup final in 2026, becoming the first player in football history to appear in 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 MetLife Stadium in New York/New Jersey, achieving a feat unmatched by any teenage footballer.Already one of world football’s brightest stars, Yamal has already featured in Spain’s victorious UEFA Euro 2024 finals campaign. Entering the field for the World Cup, he became the first teenager to appear in the finals of both of football’s biggest international tournaments.The historic achievement underlines the remarkable rise of the Barcelona winger, who has become an indispensable figure for Spain despite being just 19 years old.

The teenager is driving Spain’s run to the finals

Yamal has been one of the best performers throughout Spain’s World Cup campaign.He played a decisive role in La Roja’s 2-0 semi-final victory over France, winning a penalty after dispossessing Lucas Digne that captain Mikel Oyarzabal converted for the first goal. Pedro Porro added the second after the break after a great move from Dani Olmo, while Yamalu also had a goal ruled out for offside.Spain’s disciplined defense frustrated France throughout the contest, limiting them Kylian Mbappe and Aurelien Tchouameni before recording a sixth clean sheet in seven games.The European champions have combined defensive solidity with attacking flair throughout the tournament and are now just one win away from lifting their second FIFA World Cup trophy, having previously triumphed in South Africa in 2010.

Spain sticks to the winning formula

Spain head coach Luis de la Fuente has kept faith with the same starting line-up that defeated France in the semi-finals.Unai Simon started in goal behind the back four of Pedro Porro, Aymeric Laporte, Pau Cubarsi and Marco Cucurella. Captain Rodri was anchored in midfield alongside Fabian Ruiz and Dani Olmo, while Yamal partnered captain Mikel Oyarzabal and Bryan Zaragoza in attack.They were between Spain and the second world title Lionel Messi and defending champions Argentina, who reached the final after a dramatic 2-1 win against England.Argentina made three changes from that semi-final, recalling Gonzalo Montiel, Rodrigo De Paulo and Nicolas Gonzalez to the starting line-up alongside Messi and Julian Alvarez.While much of the attention before the final was on Messi’s bid for back-to-back World Cup titles and another piece of history, Yamal quietly etched his name into the record books.