The moment we’ve all been waiting for has finally arrived.
Football fans around the world already know the name Lamine Yamal. The World Cup, however, transcends the sport. This is an opportunity for the Barcelona star to make himself known to the rest of the planet as the best in world, of the world’s best and most beautiful game.
Lamine has already taken Barcelona to two straight La Liga titles, and he’s made them contenders again in Europe. He’s also already won the European Championship with Spain. All of that at the age of 18.
(Photo by Jose Breton/Pics Action/NurPhoto via Getty Images)
(Photo by Jose Breton/Pics Action/NurPhoto via Getty Images)
NurPhoto via Getty Images
As he turns 19 in July, he will have the chance to raise the World Cup trophy with a Spanish team that is considered one of the favorites of the tournament.
Spain shouldn’t have to depend on Lamine in the group stage, especially in the opening matches against Cape Verde and Saudi Arabia. If they can’t win those games without Lamine, then maybe they aren’t as commanding as the world thought they were.
By the time they play Uruguay on June 26, the star forward will be needed, in a game that could decide who finishes in first place with a more favorable placement in the knockout rounds.
(Photo by Florencia Tan Jun/Getty Images)
(Photo by Florencia Tan Jun/Getty Images)
Getty Images
It won’t matter anyway what Lamine can do against Cape Verde. The world will really be watching from the Round of 32 onwards, when Spain’s most challenging opponents will emerge.
Can you imagine a Lamine vs Messi? Lamine vs Mbappe/Dembele/Olise? Lamine vs Cristiano Ronaldo?
These are the games that will make him famous beyond the sport if he can perform, and lead Spain to victory.
He has the talent to go toe to toe against anyway. He also has proven he has the drive and determination. The only thing that can stand in Lamine’s way is his fitness.
There’s always a lot on the line in a World Cup for every player. The stakes are high, and the reward for playing well is even higher for your career and overall notoriety.
(Photo By Irina R. Hipolito/Europa Press via Getty Images)
(Photo By Irina R. Hipolito/Europa Press via Getty Images)
Europa Press via Getty Images
Nothing will be given, and nothing will come easy.
It’s in Lamine’s hands now, and he will be surrounded by a cast of talented Spanish players who will be more than happy to do their part to support his success, knowing their own depends on it.
Will the North American World Cup in 2026 be remembered as the Lamine Yamal show?
It certainly looks like a production in the making, and Lamine is without a doubt worth the price of admission.