Azpilicueta questions Yamal despite Man of the Match award in Spain's win over Belgium

Lamine Yamal collected the Man of the Match award as Spain beat Belgium 2-1 in the 2026 World Cup quarter-finals, yet former Spain international Cesar Azpilicueta used his pundit role to suggest the teenage winger has yet to hit his ceiling at this tournament.

Yamal ended the match without a goal or assist, though he registered four successful dribbles and generated 0.33 expected assists. Azpilicueta acknowledged the 17-year-old’s broader influence on Spain’s play while pointing to the moment Belgium substitute Joaquin Seys neutralised him in the second half as evidence that more is needed.

“I think when Joaquin Seys came on in the second half he defended Lamine Yamal really well,” Azpilicueta said. “He was very strong and he was defending 1v1 in a lot of situations. Lamine Yamal wants the ball and he wants to take defenders on.”

“It is true that his game has not transferred into goals or assists, but he is very influential in Spain’s game. He wants to create the difference. He is always moving, so I think he has more to give to the team and now is the right time.”

The comments carry added weight with Spain now facing France in the semi-finals. Didier Deschamps’ side represent a significant step up in defensive quality, and Spain will likely need Yamal to convert his dribbling and chance-creation numbers into direct contributions if they are to reach the final.

By the standards Yamal set during his breakthrough season at Barcelona and at Euro 2024, his World Cup output has been modest. The quarter-final victory over Belgium was Spain’s clearest indication yet that the team can win without him at his best — but progressing past France is a considerably taller order.