Luka Yamal approaches the 2026 World Cup semifinal against France in exceptional form. The 18-year-old Barcelona and Spain winger has scored 5 goals and provided 3 assists in 4 playoff matches at the current tournament.
Particular attention deserves Yamal's performance in the quarterfinal against Germany, where the Spaniard scored a brace and sent Spain through to the last four. According to StatsBomb, Yamal has created the highest number of high-probability chances (xA: 2.1) of any player at this World Cup.
Ahead of the semifinal, Yamal posted a video on his Instagram account with highlights of his best goals against France throughout his career — a hint at exactly how he plans to perform against Didier Deschamps' side.
Yamal's WC 2026 statistics
- 6 matches, 7 goals, 5 assists
- 35 shots, 17 on target (48.6%)
- 94 dribbles, 71 successful (75.5%)
Spain has become one of the tournament favorites largely because of this young talent. De la Fuente's coaching staff relies on pace and vertical football — and it is Yamal who is the main executor of this plan.
