Yamal Opens Up About Family After Spain's Round of 32 Victory
Lamine Yamal expressed deep affection for his family after Spain's dominant 3-0 win over Austria in the FIFA World Cup Round of 32 on July 2, 2026, at Inglewood, California. The 18-year-old winger highlighted the joy his success brings to his younger half-brother, Keyne, who was seen enthusiastically cheering for Spain during the match.
Emotional Post-Match Comments
Speaking to the media, Yamal said: "It emotions me to see my brother happy, to see my mother with the life she's always wanted to live, and my friends. It's a child's biggest dream beyond football. My brother is like my son, and I'm in love with him," according to El Larguer. He also emphasized the significance of representing Spain in the World Cup, calling it "the biggest tournament in football."
Spain's Dominant Performance
Spain maintained their perfect defensive record in the tournament, not conceding a single goal across their matches. Mikel Oyarzabal scored twice, opening the scoring late in the first half from a Marc Cucurella cross and adding a second late in the game from another Cucurella delivery. Pedro Porro scored his first international goal by heading in Alex Baena's cross. Baena also hit the crossbar with a free-kick before halftime.
Austria's World Cup Campaign Ends
Austria struggled to create chances after the restart, with Spain controlling possession throughout. Despite introducing Sasa Kalajdzic in the second half, Austria could not mount a comeback. This defeat ended Austria's memorable World Cup campaign, which saw them reach the knockout stage for the first time since 1954.
Yamal's World Cup Ambition
Yamal spoke about his dream of winning the World Cup with Spain: "At the end, when a kid dreams of playing football, the dream is to play with your national team in the World Cup, and I am here. So, I'm thinking about advancing to the next round and fulfilling my dream of winning a World Cup with Spain," according to DAZN Football.
Next Challenge for Spain
Spain will face the winner of the Portugal-Croatia match in the Round of 16, carrying momentum from their unbeaten run. The team has yet to concede a goal in the tournament, showcasing a solid defense under coach Luis de la Fuente.
