Spain’s march to the finals of the 2026 FIFA World Cup has created yet another remarkable milestone for youngster Lamine Yamal. La Roja’s 2-0 win over France in the semi-finals will ensure that every Yamal 12 starts through. FIFA World Cup and the UEFA European Championship ended in triumph, giving him a perfect record of 100% success as he was named in Spain’s first team at two major international tournaments. No European player has started as many World Cup and European Championship games while maintaining such a good record, proving the impact the Barcelona forward made before he turned 20.
Twelve starts, twelve wins: a record no European player has equaled
World football doesn’t allow for perfection, especially in major tournaments where every knockout match can define a generation.However, Yamal has achieved exactly that.Spain’s victory over France in Dallas marked his 12th start in UEFA European Championship and FIFA World Cup competition combined. All 12 have been wins in Spain, giving the youngster a perfect 12-0 record every time he has been selected from the opening whistle.It is the best 100 per cent record by a European player in the two tournaments at the start of the match.These numbers show more than individual intelligence. Between these 12 starts, Spain have been producing their best football with Yamal on the right, where his movement, possession and skill have been a key part of Luis de la Fuente’s attack.
Euro 2024 has announced Yamal to the world
The incredible streak began in UEFA Euro 2024. After his breakthrough against Barcelona, ​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​front.He started six games during this period, providing one goal and four assists.His defining moment came in the semi-final against France, where his long-range strike sealed the contest before Spain completed their comeback. A few days later, he helped set up Nico Williams’ opening goal in Spain’s 2-1 win over England in the final.That performance transformed him from one of Europe’s most attractive figures to one of the most recognizable figures in world football, leading to a remarkable finish in the Ballon d’Or voting at just 18 years of age.
The World Cup campaign has shown another side of his game
Yamal arrived at the 2026 World Cup after recovering from an abdominal injury in April, an issue that disrupted his preparation for the tournament.Although his figures have been less than those of Golden Boot players Kylian Mbappé and Lionel Messi, or England midfielder Jude Bellingham, his appeal has not changed.He has started all six of Spain’s Copa del Rey matches, making it his 12th consecutive start in the major leagues.His only goal of the tournament came against Saudi Arabia, where he opened Spain’s 4-0 win. The strike made him the youngest player to score in a World Cup match since Pelé in 1958, and also made him Spain’s second youngest World Cup finalist behind Gavi.
Spain’s Lamine Yamal celebrates after scoring the opening goal of the World Cup Group H soccer match between Spain and Saudi Arabia in Atlanta, Sunday, June 21, 2026. (AP Photo/Erik S. Lesser)
Opponents have offered several defenders to contain the Barcelona striker, limiting his direct contribution but creating valuable space for his teammates.That influence was also evident in the semi-final against France. Yamal’s clever run into the penalty area drew Lucas Digne into the gap which allowed Mikel Oyarzabal to convert the opening penalty before Pedro Porro sealed a 2-0 victory in the second half.
More than goals and resources
In his 12 years at the World Cup and European Championship, Yamal has scored two goals and four assists.Many of its effects, however, go beyond those numbers.At Euro 2024, he was the center of production for Spain, while at the World Cup he became the player that opponents change their entire defense. His ability to attract two teams has opened up the midfield for players such as Dani Olmo, Pedro Porro and Mikel Oyarzabal to exploit.Spain’s recent win also extended the national team’s unbeaten run to 37 games, equaling Italy’s all-time European record, and making La Roja the first European nation to win eight consecutive World Cup and European Championship matches.As Spain prepares for the World Cup finals, Yamal is not only chasing the biggest trophy of his career. They have also tried to maintain the best record in world football – a perfect 12 wins from 12 starts at the highest level the game can offer.
