Lamine Yamal Says Spain is Late for the Heat at the 2026 World Cup

JAKARTA - Lamine Yamal said Spain's true performance at the 2026 World Cup has only just begun, after a brilliant performance in the 3-0 victory over Austria at the SoFi Stadium, with the Barcelona star named the MVP of the match.

Striker Mikel Oyarzabal scored two goals - bringing his total to four goals and one assist at the 2026 World Cup - plus a header from Pedro Porro as Spain cruised comfortably into the last 16.

Spain have struggled hard in the group stage, but were superb in the last 32 match on Friday, July 3, confirming their presence as the tournament favourites.

"The World Cup starts now. If you lose, you go home (in the knockout stage). We don't want that. None of us want that," Yamal said after the match.

The 18-year-old played 85 minutes against Austria, his latest appearance in a 2026 World Cup match so far after recovering from injury.

"I'm fine. Now I'm 100 percent. I'm ready to play whatever the coach wants. I need to keep resting and taking care of myself, but I'm 100 percent," he said.

Yamal fired six shots - four of which were on target - and created two chances against Austria, as well as winning the ball five times.

"We all want to go to Dallas and play in the last 16. Little by little, I feel like myself again, doing the movements I need, dribbling, and I'm very happy," said Yamal.

Austria coach Ralf Rangnick praised Spain and said he expects La Roja to win the 2026 World Cup. He added that Yamal is one of the greatest talents ever seen at his age.

"I don't remember any mistakes of their own that they made. Spain showed their best performance. I dare say that we are not only playing against the European champions, but also against the next world champion candidate," said the former Manchester United coach.

Meanwhile, Spain coach Luis de la Fuente was not quick to be satisfied with his team's latest performance. He believes his team can improve further to look at the last 16.

"I have many reasons to be happy today. We won and the team's image is fantastic. We feel great. It's a process, but in the next game there is still room for improvement."

"Maybe you saw what you thought was the best of us, but our spirit is to keep improving ourselves."

"This team has not reached its limit, there is still a lot to do. I thank (Rangnick) for his words, but we are not satisfied," Luis de la Fuente said after the match.

Spain will face Portugal in the round of 16 in Dallas on Tuesday, July 7, 2026, morning WIB.