Lamine Yamal prioritizes Spain's World Cup victory over personal goals at FIFA 2026

Lamine Yamal expressed that he is not concerned about his lack of goals as long as Spain secures victory at the FIFA World Cup 2026. After Spain's quarterfinal triumph over Belgium on July 11, 2026, Yamal shared his thoughts on the matter, emphasizing the importance of teamwork and winning.

Yamal's Performance in the World Cup

Despite not finding the net in the recent match, Yamal was awarded the player of the match title for his significant contributions. The 18-year-old has only scored once during the tournament, which was during Spain's group-stage win against Saudi Arabia on June 21. Yamal remarked, "If we win the World Cup, no one will remember whether I scored goals … The important thing is winning."

Yamal’s consistent performance has drawn attention, especially in a competitive tournament featuring stars like Lionel Messi and Kylian Mbappe. He acknowledged, "I know I can contribute even if I don’t score. I know my movements draw in many opponents, so I do everything I can to help the team." This mindset reflects his dedication to Spain's success over personal accolades.

Breaking Records at a Young Age

Yamal set a record by making his sixth FIFA World Cup appearance, the most by any player aged 18 or younger. His journey began two years ago when he emerged as a breakout star for Spain during their victorious run at the European Championships in Germany. He scored just once during that campaign, a remarkable goal in the semifinal against France.

Reflecting on his current performance, Yamal stated, "There’s an idea that I should be scoring more, like at the Euros, but we won the Euros with me scoring just one goal. And I have one goal here too, so I’m relaxed about it." His calm demeanor highlights his focus on the collective goal of winning.

Upcoming Semifinal Against France

As Spain prepares for a semifinal clash with France, Yamal hopes to contribute more offensively. He noted, "There are two possibilities – either they reach three consecutive World Cup finals, or we beat them three times in a row. We’ll see what happens. We aren’t afraid at all." This confidence will be crucial as Spain aims to advance further in the tournament.

During the post-match celebrations, Yamal shared a heartwarming moment with his younger brother, Keyne, who was seen cheering for him on the big screen. The sweet interaction captivated fans and showcased Yamal’s familial support as he continues his journey in the World Cup.