MBAPPÉ AND LAMINE YAMAL MEET AGAIN

Published: July 12, 2026

The FIFA World Cup 2026™ semi-final between France and Spain offers much more than a battle for a place in the final. It also brings another chapter in one of football's most exciting modern rivalries: Kylian Mbappé vs Lamine Yamal.

On July 14 in Dallas, the two superstars will face each other for the 11th time in their careers. So far, the advantage belongs to the young Spanish sensation, who has won eight of their ten previous encounters.

France vs Spain: Yamal Holds the Edge

Mbappé and Yamal have already met twice on the international stage, and both matches came in the semi-finals of major competitions.

At UEFA EURO 2024, Spain defeated France 2-1 in Munich, with Yamal scoring a stunning goal.

A year later, the two nations met again in the UEFA Nations League semi-final in Stuttgart. Spain once again emerged victorious in an incredible 5-4 thriller, with Yamal scoring twice while Mbappé also found the back of the net.

Spain head coach Luis de la Fuente praised his young star after the match:

"I'm delighted for Lamine. He really sent a message to the world today."

PSG vs Barcelona: Mbappé Strikes Back

The first meeting between Mbappé and Yamal came on April 10, 2024, during the first leg of the UEFA Champions League quarter-final between Paris Saint-Germain and Barcelona.

Barcelona surprised PSG with a 3-2 victory in Paris, although neither player scored.

The return leg belonged to Mbappé. The French forward scored twice, leading PSG to a 4-1 victory and a place in the Champions League semi-finals.

Real Madrid vs Barcelona: Yamal Dominates El Clásico

Since Mbappé joined Real Madrid in the summer of 2024, the two stars have faced each other six times in El Clásico.

Barcelona dominated the finals:

Spanish Super Cup 2025: Barcelona 5-2 Real Madrid Spanish Super Cup 2026: Barcelona 3-2 Real Madrid Copa del Rey Final 2025: Barcelona 3-2 after extra time, despite Mbappé scoring a brilliant free-kick.

In La Liga, Mbappé experienced one of the strangest nights of his career. He scored a hat-trick, but Real Madrid still lost 4-3, with Yamal also getting on the scoresheet.

Their most recent league meeting came in October 2025, when Mbappé scored again and Real Madrid finally claimed a 2-1 victory, earning his first La Liga win over Barcelona.

Head-to-Head Record

So far, Mbappé and Yamal have met 10 times.

Head-to-head statistics:

10 matches 8 wins – Lamine Yamal 2 wins – Kylian Mbappé 9 goals – Mbappé 6 goals – Yamal World Cup 2026

With six appearances at FIFA World Cup 2026™, Lamine Yamal has become the first player aged 18 or younger to play more than five matches in a single World Cup.

He has scored only once, against Saudi Arabia in the group stage, but he insists that goals are not his main concern.

"Not scoring doesn't frustrate me. I won EURO 2024 after scoring just once. If I also win the World Cup, I don't think people will care how many goals I've scored."

Meanwhile, Kylian Mbappé was just 19 years old when he won the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia. He made seven appearances, scored four goals, lifted the trophy, and was named the tournament's Best Young Player.

A New Chapter Awaits

The semi-final in Dallas promises to be another unforgettable showdown.

Mbappé will be aiming to close the gap in their personal rivalry, while Yamal hopes to continue his dominance and win the FIFA World Cup in his very first appearance on football's biggest stage.

On July 14 in Dallas, another chapter of one of football's greatest emerging rivalries will be written.