Spain's teenage sensation, Lamine Yamal, has strengthened his claim for the 2026 Ballon d'Or after inspiring his country to a 2-0 victory over France in the FIFA World Cup semi-final.

This has dealed a significant blow to Kylian Mbappe's hopes of winning football's most prestigious individual award.

Yamal delivered a commanding display against France, winning the penalty that led to Spain's opening goal before spearheading an attacking performance that overwhelmed Didier Deschamps' side.

Mbappe, meanwhile, was effectively neutralised by Spain's disciplined defence and failed to register a decisive impact as France bowed out of the tournament.

The result has significantly altered the Ballon d'Or race, with Yamal emerging as one of the leading favourites following another standout performance on football's biggest stage.

Spain's progress to the World Cup final has further enhanced the Barcelona star's credentials, while Mbappe's elimination has weakened his chances of claiming the coveted award despite an impressive tournament.

With the World Cup final still to come, Yamal has the opportunity to further cement his status as the frontrunner for the 2026 Ballon d'Or, while Mbappe's hopes now depend largely on how voters assess his overall performances during the season and at the tournament.