Spain forward Lamine Yamal scored twice and provided an assist as the national team defeated Croatia 4-1 in their UEFA Nations League match at the Ramón Sánchez-Pizjuán stadium in Seville on Tuesday, 29 September 2026.
The victory in the Group 3 League A fixture kept Spain at the top of their group standings with six points from two matches, extending their winning streak to nine games and prolonging an unbeaten run that now exceeds 40 matches.
Yamal, the Barcelona winger, delivered his first international brace for head coach Luis de la Fuente's side on a night when Spain also showcased the World Cup trophy to supporters in Seville.
Early dominance and first international brace
Yamal opened the scoring after just 70 seconds with a finish into the far corner of the net. The goal concluded a swift passing movement involving Marc Cucurella, Fermín López, and Álex Baena, who delivered the final pass to Yamal.
Speaking after the match, Yamal explained the importance of starting with high intensity from the opening whistle. He said that teams must come out switched on from the start, adding that he had been fortunate that his shots were going in and that he was very happy with the team's start.
Croatia equalised in the 28th minute when a header restored parity for the visitors. However, Spain responded three minutes later in the 31st minute when Yamal took a short corner kick and delivered a cross for Marc Pubill, who headed home to make it 2-1.
The goal was the first international goal for Pubill, the Spanish lateral defender. Spain maintained control after taking the lead back, with Yamal continuing to threaten the Croatian defence throughout the second half.
Yamal added his second goal of the evening in the 63rd minute with a left-footed strike to the near post after receiving a pass from Pedri. The winger departed the field five minutes later in the 68th minute to a standing ovation from the crowd at the Ramón Sánchez-Pizjuán.
Reflecting on his second goal, Yamal noted that he had prepared the shot based on what he sees during daily practice sessions with Pedri. He explained that he knows the midfielder well from training and thought about how Pedri plays during practice, adding that he was grateful to God that the shot went in.
Nico Williams wrapped up the 4-1 victory for Spain by scoring the team's fourth goal in the closing stages of the match.
Ballon d'Or candidacy and team ambitions
Yamal's standout performance further strengthened his candidacy for the Ballon d'Or, the annual award given to the world's top football player. When asked by reporters after the match whether his performance added new arguments in favour of his candidacy, Yamal responded briefly by saying another one.
The forward later downplayed the importance of individual awards in his daily routine, emphasizing that his primary focus remains on collective achievements with his team.
Yamal stated that he does not play only for the Ballon d'Or, explaining that he plays for himself, for the fans, for the upcoming season, for the national team, and to keep winning matches. He added that he does not vote or know who will win the award, distancing himself from predictions about the outcome.
Spain head coach Luis de la Fuente praised Yamal's attitude and contribution after the final whistle. De la Fuente described the forward as a very generous player who puts all of his individual talent, brilliance, and spectacular play at the service of the collective group.
World Cup celebrations in Seville
The match in Seville also provided an opportunity for the national team to present the World Cup trophy to their home supporters. Spain brought the trophy to the stadium to share the achievement with fans who attended the Nations League fixture.
Yamal expressed the squad's delight at being able to share the trophy with the crowd in Seville. He said that bringing the trophy to the supporters gave the team great excitement and that the fans deserved the moment.
He noted that the team had spent years pursuing a World Cup title, adding that bringing the trophy home and securing a special victory made everyone in the squad extremely happy.
Praise and scrutiny from media analysts
Yamal's performance was analyzed on Radioestadio Noche, the evening sports show on Spanish radio network Onda Cero, by prominent sports journalist Santiago Segurola.
Segurola highlighted the heavy expectations placed on the young Barcelona winger every time he plays, while praising the composure Yamal demonstrates under intense public scrutiny.
Segurola observed that Yamal carries a spectacular amount of pressure on his shoulders and handles it phenomenally, calling him a great player. However, the journalist emphasized that when Yamal makes mistakes, rare as those moments may be, they must also be noted and discussed.
Segurola defended the need to point out errors when they occur, while acknowledging that such mistakes remain infrequent in Yamal's overall play for club and country.
The commentary built upon earlier assessments of Yamal's career by Segurola on the same radio programme. In August 2025, Segurola had described the winger's high ambition by stating that Yamal wants to be an iconic figure both on and off the football pitch, a statement that was later highlighted on the show's social media accounts.
Spain top Nations League group
The 4-1 win over Croatia leaves Spain firmly at the top of Group 3 in League A of the UEFA Nations League, having secured maximum points from their first two fixtures.
Spain's nine-match winning streak and unbeaten run of more than 40 games reflect a period of sustained success for De la Fuente's squad as they continue their international campaign.
