Right off the bat: did Yamal play in the World Cup 2022? The short answer is no — Lamine Yamal did not take part in the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar. But that simple reply barely scratches the surface of this young prodigy’s accelerating story. In this article, TigerKick will guide you through the reasons behind his absence, trace his rise to the national team, and consider whether a World Cup stage awaits him in the near future.
Why Yamal Wasn’t in Qatar 2022
To understand why Yamal wasn’t on that squad, we need to look at context, timing, and development.
- Youth and development stage
- At the time of the 2022 World Cup, Lamine Yamal was still in his mid-teens, playing at youth levels. He had not yet broken through to Barcelona’s first team, let alone to the senior Spain setup.
- No senior call-up yet
- Spain’s selection for the 2022 tournament was composed of established players and rising stars who had already made senior appearances. Yamal’s breakout into the senior national team occurred later.
- Record of youth appearances
- Records show Yamal representing Spain at U-15, U-16, U-17 and even U-19 levels in 2022 and beyond. But up until 2023, he had not received a senior cap.
- Thus, he could not have been selected for or played in a senior tournament like the 2022 World Cup.
So while many fans today associate Yamal’s name with high expectations and national team moments, in 2022 he was still laying the groundwork far.
When Did Yamal Enter the National Team Picture?
Yamal’s trajectory toward senior football moved fast. Below is a timeline of his ascent.
Early youth career
- He moved through Spain’s youth ranks, participating in U-15, U-16, and U-17 squads.pedia])
- In 2022 he also made appearances for Spain U-19.
- His performances at these levels caught attention, and Barcelona gradually involved him more in their youth and reserve setups.
Club breakthrough
- Yamal made his first-team debut for Barcelona in April 2023 — a landmark moment marking his transition to senior club football.
- In the 2023–24 season he became a more regular presence in Barça’s squad and began setting youth-age records.
Senior national debut
- In September 2023, at just 16 years and ~50 days old, he earned his first senior Spain call-up and made his debut in a Euro qualifier, even scoring in that match.
- That debut made him Spain’s youngest-ever player and goalscorer at the senior level.
So the arc is sharp:. The key is that he simply was not ready — in terms of exposure, experience, or senior credentials — when Qatar 2022 rolled around.
Where Was Spain in 2022, and Who Was in That Squad?
Understanding who did play for Spain in 2022 helps explain why younger talents like Yamal were left out. Spain’s roster in Qatar included names like Gavi, Pedri, Ferran Torres, Morata, Álvaro Odriozola, and a core of experienced veterans. Notably:
- Gavi was part of Spain’s 2022 World Cup squad and even scored in that tournament, becoming one of the youngest goal scorers in a World Cup match.
- Spain leaned on their established midfield and defensive options to navigate the pressure and stakes of knockout football.
- Younger talents with minimal senior exposure would have been overlooked in favor of consistency in such a high-stakes competition.
Given that setup, plus Yamal’s ongoing development at youth level in 2022, his absence is unsurprising.
Could Yamal Play in a Future World Cup?
Now that Yamal is firmly in the Spain senior mix, the real question is: will he play in a World Cup soon?
Prospects for the 2026 World Cup
- Yamal is already a fixture in Spain’s matchday squads and has clocked up international caps.
- If he maintains form, stays fit, and continues to grow, he’s a strong candidate for Spain’s 2026 campaign.
- His youth, technical ability, and versatility give him an edge. Coaches often look to inject energy and creativity via wingers — exactly Yamal’s domain.
Potential challenges
- Competition for spots is fierce: Spain has a deep pool of wingers, midfielders, and forwards to select from.
- Injuries or dips in form could delay or complicate his inclusion.
Overall, there’s every reason to expect that Yamal will line up in a FIFA World Cup — just not in 2022. His window is open for 2026 and beyond.
Summary of Key Facts
| Fact | Detail |
| Did Yamal play in World Cup 2022? | No — he had not yet broken into the senior team. |
| When did he debut for Spain? | September 2023, in Euro qualifying, scoring on his debut. |
| Club ascent | Debuted for Barcelona first team in April 2023. |
| Youth career | Featured heavily at U-15, U-16, U-17, and U-19 levels before senior call-up. |
| World Cup future? | Very likely to be involved in 2026 or later editions, if form and fitness continue. |
Final Thoughts
Did Yamal play in the World Cup 2022? No — at that point he was still forging his path in youth football and had yet to make his mark at senior level. But that absence is now a closed chapter. Yamal’s rise since then has been remarkable: a senior Spain debut in 2023, landmark achievements, and a growing reputation as one of Europe’s brightest young talents.
At TigerKick, we believe his story is just beginning. Keep an eye on upcoming qualifiers, tournaments, and squad announcements — chances are Lamine Yamal will soon take his first steps on the World Cup grand stage.
If you want, I can also produce a full timeline of Yamal’s matches, a comparison with other prodigies, or a projection for his 2026 World Cup chances. Do you want me to build that next?
