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Lamine Yamal says he is approaching the 2026 FIFA World Cup with confidence and freedom as Spain prepares for a tournament in which it is considered one of the leading contenders.​
At just 18 years old, Yamal has already established himself as one of football's most prominent young players. The Barcelona forward enters the World Cup carrying significant expectations after becoming a key figure for both club and country and attracting global attention through his performances on the pitch.​
Despite the spotlight surrounding him, Yamal remains focused on enjoying the experience. He acknowledged the expectations that come with his growing profile but stressed that pressure is something he embraces rather than fears.​
According to Yamal, his approach is to play with freedom and confidence, maintaining the same mentality that has helped him rise quickly through the ranks of international football.​
Away from the field, Yamal has also continued to expand his presence beyond football. Earlier this year, he signed a five-year global ambassador agreement with American Eagle, becoming the first athlete to hold that role for the brand. The partnership includes long-term projects and future collaborative collections.​
Yamal said the agreement appealed to him because of the company's creative vision and because he was already familiar with the brand. He added that authenticity is important when choosing partnerships and noted that the clothing aligns closely with his personal style.​
The collaboration reaches a new stage with the launch of the "Ready for the World" campaign ahead of the World Cup. Yamal explained that the campaign's message reflects his own journey, describing the tournament as a moment he has dreamed about throughout his life.​
While his influence continues to grow off the pitch, Yamal's primary focus remains Spain's World Cup campaign. He believes the tournament's return to North America presents an opportunity to further increase football's popularity, particularly in the United States.​
Spain enter the competition with ambitions of challenging for the title, and Yamal is expected to play a central role in the team's plans. When discussing his hopes for the summer, the teenager kept his answer simple, saying that his ideal outcome would be winning the World Cup with Spain.​
As one of the brightest young talents in the game, Yamal arrives at the tournament balancing rising global recognition with the responsibilities of helping Spain pursue international success.