Two Barcelona players were central to Spain's World Cup final qualification on Tuesday night. Lamine Yamal and Alex Baena both started as Spain beat France 2-0 at Dallas Stadium — a performance described by Fox Sports analyst Landon Donovan as the moment that proved Spain might be the best team in the world right now, regardless of individual talent.
YAMAL: THE MATCH-WINNER WITHOUT SCORING
Yamal did not find the net against France — his goal was correctly ruled out for offside — but he was the most important player on the pitch from the first minute. Lucas Digne was completely out of his depth against the 18-year-old throughout. In the 22nd minute, Yamal drove into the box and was kicked through by Digne as the left-back attempted to clear. The penalty was clear and obvious. Oyarzabal converted. Spain 1-0. The moment was deliberate — Yamal had targeted Digne's uncertainty all game and manufactured the decisive incident with a combination of pace, intelligence and composure.
In the 39th minute, Yamal combined in a dazzling one-two sequence with Dani Olmo — Rodri to Yamal, Yamal flicking to Olmo, Olmo flicking back to Yamal, the cross just diverted away by Upamecano. It was the best passage of play in the match. He also set up a chance for Baena that went just offside in the build-up. After the game, Yamal told reporters: "I'm looking forward to taking New York by storm."
Since the start of 2025, Yamal has been involved in 24 goals across 19 appearances for Spain in all competitions — 17 goals and seven assists — 14 more than any other Spanish player. He is 18 years old.
BAENA: THE INTELLIGENT MOVER
Alex Baena started on the left side of Spain's front three and made intelligent, well-timed runs throughout the first half. He got in behind the French defence on 36 minutes after a long ball from Simon — just offside, and possibly fouled in the process — and forced Maignan into alertness on two further occasions. He was replaced by Nico Williams in the second half as Spain managed the game.
WHAT COMES NEXT
Spain face either England or Argentina in the World Cup final at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey on Sunday July 19. England and Argentina play their semi-final at Atlanta Stadium later today. Yamal, who turned 19 on July 13, is playing in the first World Cup final of what promises to be a career full of them. He scored in the Euro 2024 semi-final against this same France side and assisted the winning goal in the final against England. Now he has the chance to do it again — on the biggest stage of all.
