Can Yamal follow Pelé? Spain teenager closes in on World Cup history

Lamine Yamal has the opportunity to write another chapter in football history after being named in Spain’s starting line-up for their 2026 FIFA World Cup quarter-final against Belgium.

The Barcelona forward, playing in his first World Cup, could emulate Brazilian great Pelé as Spain chase a place in the semi-finals in Los Angeles.

Spain make 68-year World Cup first

Yamal started alongside his Barcelona teammate Pau Cubarsí, with both teenagers included in Spain’s line-up for the last-eight encounter.

According to Opta, Spain have become the first nation in 68 years to field two players under the age of 20 in a World Cup quarter-final starting XI.

The last team to achieve that feat was Brazil during the 1958 World Cup quarter-final against Wales, when a 17-year-old Pelé featured in the starting line-up.

Following in Pelé’s footsteps

That match marked a defining moment in football history as Pelé scored his first World Cup goal to send Brazil into the semi-finals.

The legendary forward went on to inspire Brazil to their first-ever World Cup title later that tournament, launching one of the greatest international careers the game has seen.

Yamal now has the chance to follow a similar path by making his mark in the knockout stages of his first World Cup.

Spain chasing another world title

The teenager heads into the quarter-final hoping to score his second goal of the tournament and help Spain secure a place in the semi-finals.

Victory over Belgium would move Spain one step closer to lifting the World Cup for a second time, having won their maiden title in South Africa in 2010, while providing Yamal with the opportunity to add another remarkable milestone to his rapidly growing career.