Sports
Mbappe’s Ballon d’Or hopes suffer blow as Yamal strengthens position after Spain beat France
France captain Kylian Mbappe’s hopes of winning the 2026 Ballon d’Or suffered a major setback on Tuesday night after Les Bleus were beaten 2-0 by Spain in the FIFA World Cup semi-final.
The defeat ended France’s quest for a place in the final, while Spain youngster Lamine Yamal further strengthened his Ballon d’Or credentials with another influential display.
Yamal won the penalty that Mikel Oyarzabal converted in the 22nd minute to give Spain the lead before Pedro Porro sealed the victory with a well-taken finish in the second half.
Although Mbappe has scored eight goals at the tournament and remains in contention for the Golden Boot, with France expected to feature in the third-place play-off, missing out on the World Cup final could significantly affect his chances in the Ballon d’Or race.
Yamal, meanwhile, remains in contention for football’s biggest individual prize, with Spain’s progress to the World Cup final expected to strengthen his position in the race for the prestigious award.
Spain will now face either Argentina or England in the final as they bid to win the 2026 FIFA World Cup, with Yamal aiming to cap off an outstanding tournament with another match-winning performance.
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