Spain Makes History with Teenagers in FIFA World Cup Semifinal

Historic Semifinal for Spain

In a groundbreaking moment for football, Spain has become the first nation in FIFA World Cup history to field two teenagers in the starting lineup for a semifinal match. Lamine Yamal and Pau Cubarsi were both included in the starting XI for their crucial clash against France, as confirmed by FIFA.

FIFA announced on social media, "Spain are the first team to start a @FIFAWorldCup semi-final with two teenagers," highlighting this remarkable achievement ahead of the high-stakes match.

Spain are the first team to start a @FIFAWorldCup semi-final with two teenagers pic.twitter.com/rLnv5ACcrD

— FIFA (@FIFAcom) July 14, 2026

On the other hand, France has made strategic changes by bringing back Bradley Barcola and Aurelien Tchouameni into their starting lineup for the semifinal against Spain. La Roja, however, has chosen to maintain the same squad that played in their last match.

Barcola replaces Desire Doue in France's attack, joining Ousmane Dembele, Michael Olise, and captain Kylian Mbappe in the forward positions. Tchouameni returns to the midfield after recovering from injury, partnering with Adrien Rabiot.

Spain's head coach, Luis de la Fuente, has decided to keep the lineup unchanged, with Fabian Ruiz, Rodri, and Dani Olmo forming the midfield trio. Pedri remains on the bench, while Alex Baena teams up with the young star Lamine Yamal and Mikel Oyarzabal in the attack.

The victor of this semifinal will advance to face either Argentina or England in the FIFA World Cup final.

France's starting lineup includes: Mike Maignan; Jules Kounde, Dayot Upamecano, William Saliba, Lucas Digne; Aurelien Tchouameni, Adrien Rabiot; Ousmane Dembele, Michael Olise, Bradley Barcola; Kylian Mbappe (captain).

Spain's lineup features: Unai Simon; Pedro Porro, Pau Cubarsi, Aymeric Laporte, Marc Cucurella; Rodri (captain), Fabian Ruiz, Dani Olmo; Lamine Yamal, Alex Baena, Mikel Oyarzabal.