Yamal scored for Spain in his first FIFA World Cup start. | Photo Credit: AFP

Lamine Yamal got Spain going at the FIFA World Cup 2026 and scored the side’s first goal against Saudi Arabia at the Atlanta Stadium on Sunday.

This was also Yamal’s first goal in a FIFA World Cup match. He had not started the first game against Cape Verde and came on as a substitute in the frustrating 0-0 draw.

At 18 years and 343 days, he becomes the second-youngest goalscorer for La Furia Roja at the FIFA World Cup. His Barcelona teammate Gavi remains the youngest player to score for Spain at 18 years and 110 days.

Interestingly, Yamal broke Lionel Messi’s record. The Argentina legend was 18 years and 357 days old when he scored his first goal during the FIFA World Cup in 2006.

Published on Jun 21, 2026