De la Fuente sings Lamine’s praises as Spain reaches the World Cup quarter-finals

Spain coach Luis de la Fuente hailed Lamine Yamal’s performance in Monday’s 1-0 win over Portugal as one of the most important of the 18-year-old’s burgeoning career as the European champions advanced to the quarter-finals of the World Cup.

Substitute Mikel Merino struck in the 91st minute in Arlington to send Spain to the last eight for the first time since they won their only World Cup title in 2010.

“For me, Lamine played one of the most important matches of his life,” said de la Fuente. “Apart from whether he was brilliant or not, for me it was one of the matches that will help him grow the most.”

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Lamine arrived at the World Cup with a troublesome hamstring injury and started the Spanish season on the bench as they were held to a goalless draw by Cape Verde.

He then returned to the starting line-up 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, allowing Spain to 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 the injury of Portuguese defender Nuno Mendes 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 in the opponent. He caused a lot of fear,» de la Fuente said.

“We still need Lamine at this World Cup, to keep growing and delivering this kind of performance,” he added.

Spain next faces the United States or Belgium, who play later on Monday.

Asked about a potential opponent in the quarter-finals, de ⁠la Fuente said his focus remained on Spain’s progress.

“Any opponent you face at this stage will have done enough to deserve to be there, and the one that comes next will be an even greater challenge than those we have faced so far,” he said.

Published on July 7, 2026