“On TV he looks special”

Former Barcelona forward Zlatan Ibrahimovic has revealed that he is looking forward to watching Lamine Yamal at the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The Swedish icon, now a Fox Sports pundit for the tournament, was asked to pick his main attraction across the showpiece in North America, and he went for the talented teenager.

Yamal arrives at his first senior FIFA World Cup with huge expectations after delighting fans across Europe over the last two seasons. The teenager scored 24 goals and set up 16 more in 45 appearances in a sensational 2025-26 campaign for Barcelona. The season before, he was just as impressive, with 18 goals and 25 assists in 55 games.

Speaking about Lamine Yamal, Zlatan Ibrahimovic said to FOX Sports (via BarcaBlaugranes):

“Lamine Yamal is a special player. He’s a player you pay those very expensive tickets for, a player you come to the stadium for, and thanks to whom you can simply enjoy the experience.”

He continued:

”On TV he looks special and he looks good. But up close he’s even more special.

“At 18, it’s incredible. Every time he touches the ball, you can see he’s different. His ball control, dribbling, goal-scoring ability… so all my hopes for a great game are on him.”

Ibrahimovic’s words come as no surprise, as the gifted Spaniard could define this summer’s competition for the world watching. Yamal was a star on the big stage at Euro 2024, helping inspire Spain to glory and being crowned Young Player of the Tournament.

Despite being only a teenager, he is widely expected to be in the conversation around the Golden Ball alongside more established names such as Kylian Mbappe.

Lamine Yamal expected to play in Spain’s 2026 FIFA World Cup debut

Spain kick off their FIFA World Cup campaign against Cabo Verde on June 15 (ET), with Yamal’s fitness the main talking point inside their camp. The 18-year-old pulled his hamstring playing for Barcelona back in April, and sat out the remaining La Liga games.

Spain head coach Luis de la Fuente has always been positive that his star winger will be fit for the FIFA World Cup Group H opener in Atlanta. As per AS Diario (via BarcaBlaugranes), Barcelona have reportedly asked Spain to restrict his playing time to about 15 minutes in the match.

The Catalan club suggest 45 to 60 minutes against Saudi Arabia before a possible start against Uruguay in the final game of the group. Spain won the European Championship two summers ago and will be desperate to ease Lamine Yamal back into the fold without inviting any damaging setbacks.