New Delhi: As Spain defeated France 2-0 at the Dallas Stadium in the 2026 FIFA World Cup semi-final early Wednesday, 19-year-old sensation Lamine Yamal maintained a flawless record in major international tournaments, with 12 victories in all 12 games he started in. His 100 per cent win rate when named in Spain’s starting eleven stands as the best among European players in these competitions.
In football, tactical setups, defensive solidity, and high-pressing systems usually dictate who wins the game. However, for the Spanish national team, apart from setups and game plans, Yamal has emerged as their ultimate lucky charm.
Yamal’s remarkable streak underscores Spain’s strong showing at the 2026 FIFA World Cup. With one goal and 179 completed passes, the teenager has been a key figure in La Roja’s campaign, combining flair, creativity and maturity. His performances have helped Spain advance deep into the knockout stages, with Yamal contributing goals and a consistent threat on the right flank.
Former striker Tony Cascarino had said, “Even if he loses against you eight times, he’s still going to try and take you on the ninth time. That’s what Yamal is… in a moment he can do unbelievable things.”
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‘Spain better than us’
Born in 2007, Yamal’s golden run began during Spain’s triumphant Euro 2024 campaign, where his explosive pace and creative output down the right wing empowered a transitioning Spanish national team. That momentum from 2024 has carried directly into the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
La Roja defeated Les Bleus in the semifinals, which was touted as one of the favourites to lift the coveted trophy. In a high-stakes semi-final, goals from Mikel Oyarzabal and Pedro Porro sealed a comfortable win for the Spaniards, leaving the French side with an expected goals (xG) metric of just 0.30—the worst in a World Cup since 1966.
“I don’t think we lacked solutions or desire today. They were simply better than us when it came to winning second balls and recovering possession. I think that’s where the game was decided because if we had won more of those balls, we could have caused them a lot more problems,” French player Ryan Cherki told RTVE.
With the semi-final hurdle crossed, Spain now awaits the winner of the second semi-final clash between England and Argentina. As Spain continues its campaign, Yamal remains a central figure, embodying the blend of talent and winning mentality that has defined the national team’s recent form. The 100 per cent win rate when starting is a testament to both Yamal’s quality and Spain’s strength in matches when he begins on the pitch.
(Edited by Saptak Datta)