Spain have been urged not to “lose sight of reality” when it comes to Barcelona star Lamine Yamal at World Cup 2026. The teenager is heading into the tournament with plenty of expectation on his young shoulders after starring for club and country since bursting onto the scene as a 15-year-old.

The 18-year-old waved a large Palestinian flag from an open-top bus during his team’s La Liga victory parade through Barcelona on Monday.

In response to a Euronews request for a comment, FC Barcelona declined to back its star player Lamine Yamal after Israel’s defence minister accused him of “inciting hatred towards Israel” for waving a Palestinian flag.

Barcelona wonderkid Lamine Yamal has been informed of what needs to happen in order for him to become a Ballon d’Or contender in 2026, while Ruud Gullit has told GOAL why a ninth triumph for Argentine GOAT Lionel Messi cannot be ruled out.

The countdown to the 2026 World Cup has already brought excitement around kits, stadiums, and superstar storylines, but a new detail could soon become one of the tournament’s most recognizable visual features.