Teenager Lamine Yamal silences fitness doubts with first World Cup goal in Spain's dominant win

Lamine Yamal, the 18-year-old FC Barcelona forward, scored his first World Cup goal on his first start for Spain, leading the team to a 4-0 victory over Saudi Arabia in the 2026 World Cup. The win came after Spain's disappointing goalless draw against Cape Verde, where Yamal started on the bench. Yamal, who had been recovering from a thigh injury, opened the scoring and answered questions about his fitness that had been circulating in recent weeks, according to Telegraaf. His performance was described as "very special" by the outlet, as he proved his readiness for the tournament's highest stage. "It's a dream to score my first World Cup goal." Goal.com reported that Yamal described the moment as a "dream" and said the team used their previous frustration as motivation. The teenager was substituted at half-time as a precautionary measure, with Spain now looking like genuine contenders for the title, according to the outlet. Spain's emphatic victory showcased their attacking depth and resilience, bouncing back from the opening draw to dominate Saudi Arabia. With Yamal's early impact and the team's renewed confidence, they appear poised to make a deep run in the tournament. Telegraaf noted that Yamal's goal and overall performance silenced any lingering doubts about his fitness, solidifying his role as a key player for Spain going forward.

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