BARCELONA – Lamine Yamal is not just looking forward to his first FIFA World Cup; he is dreaming of a blockbuster final against his idol. In a recent interview with TNT Sports, the Barcelona sensation revealed a private conversation with Neymar Jr. about a potential showdown between Spain and Brazil in the 2026 final.
“I talked to Neymar to see when we could coincide to go back to Brazil; I had a lot of fun there,” Yamal shared. “We agreed that if we both reach the final, we’ll go on vacation together afterward. Hopefully, it will be Spain vs. Brazil.”
Spain’s Path in Group H
The reigning European champions will begin their World Cup journey in the United States as the favorites of Group H. Yamal’s squad faces a diverse set of challenges in the opening round:
- June 15: Spain vs. Cape Verde – Mercedes-Benz Stadium (Atlanta)
- June 21: Spain vs. Saudi Arabia – Mercedes-Benz Stadium (Atlanta)
- June 26: Uruguay vs. Spain – Akron Stadium (Guadalajara, Mexico)
Brazil’s Group C Challenges
While Yamal eyes the final, Neymar’s Brazil must first navigate a tricky Group C. The Seleção debuts on June 13 against Morocco at the MetLife Stadium the same venue that will host the World Cup Final. Brazil will then face Haiti (June 19) and Scotland (June 24).
Before the World Cup: The “Finalissima”
Before the North American tournament kicks off, Lamine Yamal has another date with history. On March 27, Spain will face Lionel Messi’s Argentina in the Finalissima at the Lusail Stadium in Qatar.
The match, which pits the Euro winners against the Copa América champions, is being billed as a “passing of the torch” moment between Messi and the 18-year-old Barcelona prodigy.
YAMAL 🆚 NEYMAR NA FINAL DA COPA DO MUNDO? ⚔️🏆 O craque do Barcelona falou com exclusividade para o nosso @arthurquezada que espera pegar a #SeleçãoBrasileira na grande decisão do Mundial! Já pensou uma final dessa? #MFM #CasaDaChampions pic.twitter.com/wcyDAm2CmW
— TNT Sports BR (@TNTSportsBR) January 29, 2026
Siara Costa is a football editor and writer covering both European men’s and women’s football, with a focus on league competitions, match coverage, and in-depth storytelling.
