World Cup 2026: Andres Iniesta believes Lamine Yamal holds key to Spain’s World Cup dream

Spain legend Andres Iniesta has backed Lamine Yamal to be the decisive figure in La Roja’s quest for a second FIFA World Cup title, insisting that the teenager’s influence will be crucial as the tournament enters its knockout phase.

Speaking ahead of Spain’s Round of 32 clash with Austria, Iniesta praised the Barcelona star’s importance to both the present and future of the national team.

“Lamine Yamal is a very important player for the national team and the future of this national team obviously also has a lot to do with how decisive Lamine Yamal can be in the matches,” Iniesta said.

The former World Cup winner also highlighted the unforgiving nature of knockout football.

“These types of tournaments are very difficult, and any detail can punish you a lot.”

Despite those warnings, Iniesta remains optimistic about Spain’s chances of lifting the trophy in North America.

“Spain for me is one of the favourites, because of the players, because of what it transmits to me. I remain very optimistic, and I hope and wish that we are capable of winning the second star.”

Spain’s campaign so far

Spain have enjoyed an unbeaten start to the tournament, although their journey has not been entirely straightforward. Luis de la Fuente’s side opened Group H with a surprising 0-0 draw against Cape Verde, dominating possession but failing to convert their chances.

La Roja responded emphatically with a 4-0 victory over Saudi Arabia, a match that saw Yamal mark his return from a hamstring injury with a goal. They then secured top spot in the group with a hard-fought 1-0 win over Uruguay, finishing with seven points and extending their unbeaten run under De la Fuente to 34 matches.

Spain have scored five goals and conceded none during the group stage, reinforcing their reputation as one of the tournament favourites despite occasional concerns about their cutting edge in attack.

Yamal’s fitness remains a key storyline

The 18-year-old has been carefully managed throughout the competition after arriving in the United States with a hamstring issue. He featured for only 19 minutes against Cape Verde before gradually increasing his workload against Saudi Arabia and Uruguay.

However, both Yamal and De la Fuente have now confirmed that the winger is fit and available to play a full match if required against Austria. Austria coach Ralf Rangnick has already identified stopping the Barcelona sensation as the single most important task facing his team.

For Iniesta, the equation is simple: if Yamal can produce decisive moments in the knockout rounds, Spain have every chance of adding a second star above their crest and reclaiming football’s greatest prize sixteen years after their triumph in South Africa.