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Yamal key to Spain's World Cup hopes, says De la Fuente
Yamal arrived at the World Cup managing a troublesome hamstring injury and started Spain's campaign on the bench as they were held to a goalless draw by Cape Verde
- PUBLISHED: Tue 7 Jul 2026, 11:18 AM
Spain coach Luis de la Fuente hailed Lamine Yamal's performance in Monday's 1-0 victory over Portugal as one of the most important of the 18-year-old's burgeoning career as the European champions advanced to the World Cup quarter-finals.
Substitute Mikel Merino struck in the 91st minute in Arlington to send Spain into the last eight for the first time since they won their only World Cup in 2010.
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"For me, Lamine has played one of the most important matches of his life," de la Fuente said. "Beyond whether he was brilliant or not, for me it has been one of the matches that will help him grow the most."
Lamine arrived at the World Cup managing a troublesome hamstring injury and started Spain's campaign on the bench as they were held to a goalless draw by Cape Verde.
He returned to the starting lineup after that and scored once in a 4-0 win over Saudi Arabia.
Against Portugal, the Barcelona forward had three attempts on goal, including two on target, helping Spain maintain the pressure before Merino's late winner.
De la Fuente suggested that the physical toll of trying to stop Lamine may have contributed to Portugal defender Nuno Mendes' injury in the 56th minute, when he was forced off and replaced by Nelson Semedo.
"Lamine did a spectacular job. He suffered for the team, he defended for the team. When he had the ball, he always created doubt and uncertainty for the opponent. He generated a lot of fear," de la Fuente said.
"We still need Lamine in this World Cup, to keep growing and delivering these kinds of performances," he added.
De la Fuente also praised Merino who broke through a stubborn Portugal defence in the 91st minute to earn victory for his team.
The midfielder scored six minutes after coming off the bench in the Iberian Derby at Dallas Stadium to move the European champions into the last eight.
"Mikel Merino never lets us down, he's a safe bet," said De la Fuente. "He helped us win the European Championship and is always there when it counts. He's one of the best players in the world in his position.
"Mikel performs exceptionally well and is always exactly where he needs to be."
Spain next face the Belgium who beat the US 4-1 on Monday.
Asked about theur quarter-final opponent, de la Fuente said his focus remained on Spain's progress.
"Any opponent you face at this stage will have done enough to deserve being there, and whoever comes next will be an even greater challenge than those we have encountered up to now," he said.