Kylian Mbappe’s hopes of winning the 2026 Ballon d’Or have suffered a major blow after Lamine Yamal inspired Spain to a 2-0 victory over France in Tuesday’s FIFA World Cup semi-final, strengthening the teenager’s claim for football’s biggest individual prize.
The result is expected to reshape the individual award conversation, with the Barcelona teenager now regarded as one of the leading contenders following another impressive display on football’s biggest stage.
Spain produced a disciplined performance to end France’s hopes of reaching a third consecutive World Cup final. Mikel Oyarzabal opened the scoring from the penalty spot after Yamal won a spot-kick, before Pedro Porro sealed the victory with a second-half strike.
Although Yamal did not get on the scoresheet, the teenage winger played a decisive role by drawing the foul that led to Spain’s opener and remained a constant threat throughout the contest, further strengthening his Ballon d’Or credentials.
Mbappe, meanwhile, saw his Ballon d’Or momentum take a significant hit as France were unable to break down Spain’s organised defence.
The Real Madrid forward still has plenty to play for individually. With eight goals, he remains among the tournament’s leading scorers and will have the opportunity to add to his tally when France feature in Saturday’s third-place play-off.
However, history suggests success in major international tournaments often carries significant weight in Ballon d’Or voting, and Spain’s progression to Sunday’s World Cup final has strengthened Yamal’s case.
Spain will now face either Argentina or England in the final, with the chance to crown a remarkable campaign by lifting the World Cup trophy. Another standout performance from Yamal on football’s biggest stage could prove decisive in the race for football’s most prestigious individual honour.
