Spanish football is back on top. In a fixture that has already become a modern classic, Spain beat France 2–0 to secure their place in the 2026 World Cup final.

Mikel Oyarzábal and Pedro Porro scored the goals for the Spanish side, who dominated from start to finish and secured their place in the final without any complications.

This is only the second time in history that the Spanish national team has reached the final of the tournament, emulating their legendary feat at South Africa 2010.

However, the name dominating front pages around the world today is none other than Lamine Yamal, winner of the last two Kopa Trophies (2024 and 2025).

The young FC Barcelona player has just broken a record held by Kylian Mbappé and become the fourth-youngest footballer ever to reach a World Cup final.

A historic record: Dethroning Kylian Mbappé

By securing his place in this World Cup’s final, Lamine Yamal has set a new record for the youngest player to reach the final.

The Spaniard reached the World Cup final at just 19 years and 1 day old, beating the record set by Mbappé, who did so at 19 years and 202 days during Russia 2018.

Lamine Yamal thus becomes the fourth-youngest footballer in history to reach a World Cup final, behind three legendary figures.

  1. Pelé – 17 years and 249 days

  2. Ronaldo – 17 years and 298 days

  3. Giuseppe Bergomi – 18 years and 174 days

  4. Lamine Yamal – 19 years and 1 day

Lamine Yamal’s Spain, France’s bogey team

Lamine Yamal’s record against the French national team is verging on the mystical.

Of the seven goals he has scored for Spain, three have been against France, and all of them in semi-finals.

Indeed, the victory in this World Cup confirms a trend that is now impossible to ignore.

Since Lamine Yamal’s breakthrough, Spain has established absolute dominance over France in knockout matches.

  • Euro 2024: Spain knocked France out in the semi-finals

  • 2025 Nations League: Spain knocked France out in the semi-finals

  • 2026 World Cup: Spain knocked France out in the semi-finals

One step away from eternal glory

Spain are already in the final and the whole country is once again dreaming of adding a second star to their crest.

Luis de la Fuente’s side await their opponent in the final, who will emerge from the clash of giants between England and Argentina.

Will Lamine Yamal and this generation be able to secure a second World Cup for Spain?