How Pedri and Lamine Yamal showed the formation of the final of the Spanish World Cup

Some posts disappear into the Instagram archive within a few days. Others return at exactly the right time.

More than a year ago, Spain walked off the pitch after losing the UEFA Nations League final to Portugal. It had been a painful night, but Pedri’s mind seemed elsewhere. Instead of dwelling on the defeat, the Barcelona midfielder posted a photo with Lamin Yamal and Nico Williams. The headline was not emotional or inspirational. It was simply: 19.07.26.

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Pedri posted this image back in 2025. (Photo: Instagram)

Most fans understood the reference immediately. That was the date of the FIFA World Cup final in New York. It seemed optimistic, perhaps a little cheeky. Spain still had an entire qualifying campaign and World Cup ahead of them before they could even think about playing on the day.

Then Lamine Yamal reposted it on his own Instagram story.

It wasn’t just Pedri who sent a date into space. The new Spanish generation has quietly set a goal long before anyone talked about them as favorites.

Now, thirteen months later, that screenshot is everywhere again.

Spain’s 2-0 win over France officially booked them a place in the World Cup finals on July 19. A date that once seemed like wishful thinking suddenly became part of the Spanish story.

HOW DID THE YAMAL, PEDRI WORLD CUP GO?

Spain’s young generation have already shown their potential by winning Euro 2024 and despite the heartbreak in the Nations League, the team never seemed to lose faith in where they were heading. This belief was reflected throughout their World Cup campaign.

Pedri played a key role in the early stages of the tournament, controlling play from midfield and leading the competition in passing into the final third before the quarter-finals. Although Fabian Ruiz started ahead of him in the final elimination rounds, Pedri remained an important part of De la Fuente’s plans.

Yamal, meanwhile, may not have achieved the dazzling numbers he produced at Euro 2024, but his impact has been huge. Against France, it was the teenager’s pressing that forced Lucas Digne to concede the penalty from which Oyarzabal opened the scoring. He also had a great goal disallowed for marginal offside, showing the threat he continues to carry.

WHAT’S NEXT FOR SPAIN AT THE FIFA WORLD CUP 2026?

Spain are now just one win away from a second World Cup title and another golden chapter in the nation’s football history.

De la Fuente’s side will face either defending champions Argentina or England in Sunday’s final. They also equaled Italy’s record of 37 consecutive games without defeat in men’s international football and can set a new record by winning the final.

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Issued by:

Debodinna Chakraborty

Published on:

15 Jul 2026 06:30 IST