Miami (AFP) - The young Spanish star, Lamine Jamal, arrived at the 2026 World Cup while suffering physically, which prevented him from appearing with his full technical capabilities, but he made gradual progress and will be under the microscope against Portugal on Monday in the round of 16.

Published on: 07/06/2026 - 00:39

Jamal suffered an injury to the posterior muscle of the left thigh on April 22, which kept him away from his team, Barcelona, ​​​​in the final meters of the season.

But he returned to the field at the best time, since Spain's first match in the World Cup against Cape Verde, and gradually raised his level as he got more minutes on the field.

Jamal, who celebrates his 19th birthday on July 13, put this physical problem behind him after playing 19 minutes against Cape Verde, then 45 minutes against Saudi Arabia, 76 minutes against Uruguay, and 85 minutes against Austria in the round of 32.

Despite not playing any full match, Jamal is considered one of the most evasive players in the tournament (30), according to Opta statistics.

In the round of 32 match on Thursday, it seemed as if the young Spanish star had fully regained his presence, as he confused the Austrian defense every time he received the ball.

He said after the match, "I was missing a goal or an assist. But winning and reaching the next round remains the most important thing."

So far, the winger has only scored one goal, which came against Saudi Arabia (4-0), compared to seven goals each for Argentine Lionel Messi, Frenchman Kylian Mbappe, and Norwegian Erling Haaland, which leaves him with some bitterness.

Confrontation with Nuno Mendes

Against Portugal on Monday, he will be required to raise his level to make a difference on the right flank thanks to his strong starts. The importance of these features increases for Spain in light of the doubts about the participation of his friend Nico Williams on the left side due to an injury to the adductor muscle.

But the task will not be easy, even for the second-placed player in the race for the Ballon d'Or, as he faces Nuno Mendes, who is considered one of the best full-backs in the world.

In all previous confrontations between them, the French Paris Saint-Germain player excelled with his speed and strength in the direct conflict with the Barcelona striker in the Champions League.

The Portuguese also succeeded in limiting his threat during last year's European Nations League final, which Portugal won on penalties.

Mendes said on Saturday about Jamal, "He is a very talented player. It will be a beautiful confrontation. I love playing against him. He is a young player who has tremendous potential and is capable of changing the course of any match."

In addition to his attacking capabilities, La Roja will rely on Jamal for his defensive duties against Rafael Leao as well as against Mendes, the full-back known for his attacking tendencies.

"It's his World Cup"

Spain goalkeeper Unai Simon said on Saturday, "There is no need to convince him. His general image is different from what we see within the group: Lamine is a key player offensively and helps us a lot defensively."

Despite his 18 years of age, Gamal has become the star of the national team and the focus of attention in every appearance for his country for three weeks in the United States, and he is appreciated and protected by his teammates and his federation.

Spanish Federation President Rafael Losan told Agence France-Presse on the eve of the start of La Roja's World Cup campaign, "In a very short time, he has become an icon in world football. I think the next step is for him to take over the baton from Messi and (Portuguese Cristiano) Ronaldo. But he is still eighteen, and they needed time."

He added, "He has now become a global reference and deserves praise. He is a wonderful boy with a big heart. Every time I spoke to him, he was special, and he will show that on the field."

As Aitor Karanka, the technical director of the Spanish Federation, said about Jamal, “It is his World Cup.”

The Barcelona star will have to prove that on Monday in Dallas.

© 2026 AFP

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