Spain forward Lamine Yamal has revealed that he was not happy with his individual performance at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Yamal recovered in time from a hamstring injury to play a key part in La Roja’s triumphant World Cup campaign in the United States, Canada and Mexico.
The 19-year-old started all but one game for Spain at the World Cup, with the exception being the opening game against Cape Verde.
Lamine Yamal Admits He Fell Short of His Own World Cup Expectations
Before Yamal’s 2025-26 season with Barcelona came to an abrupt end due to injury, the teenage sensation contributed 24 goals and 18 assists to seal La Liga and the Spanish Super Cup titles for the Blaugrana.
However, it was a different situation at the World Cup, with Yamal contributing just one goal and no assists as Spain ruled the world after defeating Argentina in the final.
In an interview that will be aired later this week, Yamal told Movistar: “After winning the World Cup, I wasn’t happy. It’s true about the injury, but that’s got nothing to do with it.
“I know that if the World Cup were to come around again, I’d have performed just as well if I hadn’t had the injury."
Despite his low individual contribution, Yamal highlighted his role in the Spanish team and how his skills contributed to their game plan on the flanks.
“I did a lot of things that people didn’t see,” he continued. “For example, I think it’s incredible for a manager to have a player who can draw three defenders away.
"I wasn’t happy with my own performance because I know that another player performing at my level would have had a great World Cup.
"But for me, I could have done more. I did help the team, but I’m really looking forward to the next one."
Lamine Yamal Names Himself and Mbappe Among the World’s Best
Following the announcement of this year’s Ballon d’Or nominees and with arguments around the best player in the world getting intense, Yamal believes he and Mbappe are currently among the best players in the world.
Mbappe played a huge part at the World Cup with France, setting a new goal-scoring record in the tournament's history and taking home the Golden Boot.
Unlike Yamal, Mbappe did not win a major team trophy for club or country during the 2025-26 season, which helps explain the 19-year-old’s belief that he deserves the accolade.
Yamal said: "Who are they going to give it to? That's a very long conversation in itself. I honestly believe that there are maybe two of us who are the best in the world.
"And I think I deserve it this year because of what I've won. For me, Mbappe and I are the best in the world. It is clear to me. Everyone who watches the matches knows it."
Mbappe and Yamal will face off in the first Classico of the season when Barcelona host Real Madrid at the Spotify Camp Nou on October 25, a day before this year's Ballon d'Or ceremony in London.
