The France vs Spain semi-final at the 2026 FIFA World Cup is not only a battle for a place in the final, but also a special individual contest between two of football’s biggest stars, Kylian Mbappe and Lamine Yamal.
The match in Dallas will mark the first World Cup meeting between the two players after they previously faced each other 10 times at both international and club levels.
Mbappe and Yamal’s Previous Encounters
Over recent years, Mbappe and Yamal have met in several high-profile matches involving France, Spain, Barcelona, Paris Saint-Germain, and Real Madrid.
Their upcoming World Cup clash adds another chapter to a growing rivalry between two players with different styles: Yamal is known for creativity and dribbling, while Mbappe is famous for his speed, finishing, and attacking power.
Yamal Dominates International Matches
Their first international meetings came during Euro 2024 and the UEFA Nations League.
Spain defeated France 2-1 in the Euro 2024 semi-final, with Lamine Yamal scoring one of Spain’s goals.
The Spanish youngster continued his impressive performances in the Nations League, scoring twice in a thrilling 5-4 victory over France, while Mbappe also found the net.
Mbappe Shines in Champions League Meetings
At club level, their first meeting came in the 2024 UEFA Champions League quarter-finals between Paris Saint-Germain and Barcelona.
Barcelona won the first leg 3-2, but Mbappe produced a brilliant performance in the second leg, scoring twice as PSG won 4-1 and advanced to the semi-finals.
El Clasico Rivalry Favors Barcelona
After Mbappe joined Real Madrid, his battles with Yamal continued in the famous El Clasico matches against Barcelona.
Although Mbappe scored important goals, Barcelona had the stronger team results, winning the Spanish Super Cup finals in 2025 and 2026, as well as the 2025 Copa del Rey final.
In La Liga, the two players met three times, including Barcelona’s 4-0 victory, a 4-3 Barcelona win despite Mbappe’s hat-trick, and Real Madrid’s first victory over Barcelona with Mbappe scoring in a 2-1 win.
Yamal Leads in Wins, Mbappe Leads in Goals
Across their previous 10 meetings, Lamine Yamal has won eight matches compared to two victories for Mbappe.
However, Mbappe leads in goals scored, with nine goals compared to six for the Spanish teenager.
First World Cup Battle Between Mbappe and Yamal
Lamine Yamal is playing his first FIFA World Cup and has already made history by becoming one of the youngest players to appear in more than five matches in a single tournament.
The Spanish star has scored once so far and hopes to help Spain reach the final.
Meanwhile, Mbappe aims to repeat his success from the 2018 World Cup, where he helped France win the title, scored four goals, and won the Best Young Player award.
How many times have Mbappe and Yamal faced each other?
They have played against each other 10 times before their World Cup 2026 semi-final meeting.
Who has more wins between Mbappe and Yamal?
Lamine Yamal leads with eight victories compared to two for Mbappe.
Who has scored more goals between them?
Kylian Mbappe leads with nine goals, while Yamal has scored six.
Is this their first World Cup meeting?
Yes, the 2026 World Cup semi-final will be their first encounter in the tournament.
