Lamine Yamal shows why this could be his World Cup

Lamine Yamal shows why this could be his World CupTo play this video you need to enable JavaScript in your browser.This video can not be playedFigure caption, 'He's the main man!' - Rooney on Lamine YamalByElizabeth ConwaySpanish football reporter at Atlanta StadiumPublished21 June 2026385 CommentsLamine Yamal was the story before kick-off and is dominating conversation long after the final whistle too.The 18-year-old returned to Atlanta hoping to start his first World Cup match, having been limited to just 19 minutes in Spain's shock goalless draw with Cape Verde.Luis de la Fuente insisted that cameo was part of a longer-term plan, with Lamine Yamal still carefully managing his recovery from the hamstring injury he suffered in April.Fit enough to start against Saudi Arabia, his impact was immediate.Even before his first touch, the impact he had on the atmosphere was remarkable.Thousands of fans wore his name across their backs. Every time his face appeared on the big screen, the stadium roared.Spain's young star had not yet touched the ball, but already lifted the occasion.When he did, he transformed the first half of the match.Spain had promised greater intent, to play with boldness, pace and fearlessness. They delivered that in a 4-0 thrashing of Saudi Arabia, with Lamine Yamal at the centre of it all. Where their previous outing lacked urgency, this performance was vibrant, direct and full of conviction."You can give a bit of advice but when you see a player like this with the confidence and freedom, he can create a lot of things that I couldn't teach," his former Spain team-mate Cesar Azpilicueta told Match of the Day."When he is on the pitch he knows how to create chances, take on defenders and where to get the ball. From there, he is growing every single game."To play this video you need to enable JavaScript in your browser.This video can not be playedFigure caption, Lamine Yamal scores the opener for SpainSha...