Lamine Yamal has never lost to Kylian Mbappé in any of their five career elimination matches at club or international level.

How Yamal and Mbappé’s knockout duels have played out

The first knockout meeting came at Euro 2024 in Munich on 9 Jul 2024. Spain beat France 2–1 in the semifinal, with Yamal scoring a long-range strike and Dani Olmo adding a deflected goal before halftime. Mbappé pulled one back late, but La Roja held on to reach the final.

At King Abdullah Sports City in Jeddah on 12 Jan 2025, Barcelona edged Real Madrid 5–2 in the Supercopa de España final. Yamal opened the scoring in the 22nd minute, and Mbappé’s fifth-minute strike proved a mere footnote as Barça ran away with the trophy.

In Seville on 7 May 2025, Barcelona again overcame Real Madrid 3–2 after extra time in the Copa del Rey final. Mbappé scored, but Yamal set up two goals and Barcelona lifted the cup for a second time in four months.

In the Champions League quarterfinals on 23 Apr 2025, Barcelona beat Paris Saint‑Germain 3–1 on aggregate. Yamal started both legs and played every minute as Barça advanced to the last four.

At the 2026 FIFA World Cup in Dallas on 15 Jul 2026, Yamal and Mbappé meet for the fifth time in a knockout tie. Yamal’s side has already beaten France once in this format; Mbappé will try to end the streak.

Why Yamal’s knockout edge matters now

With Spain chasing a first World Cup title since 2010 and France aiming for a third final in four editions, the semifinal doubles as a rematch of Euro 2024. Yamal has already shown he can rise in big games, while Mbappé has eight goals in Qatar but no knockout win over Yamal.

Spain’s attacking trio of Yamal, Nico Williams and Rodri has combined for 11 goals in this World Cup, yet Yamal’s only contribution so far is one assist. A strong performance against Mbappé could silence lingering doubts about his tournament impact.

What comes next for both stars

For Yamal, a semifinal win would put Spain in the final and cap a meteoric rise from teenage sensation to World Cup protagonist. For Mbappé, ending the streak would erase the mental scar and keep France’s title hopes alive.

Both players will line up at AT&T Stadium on Tuesday night knowing the knockout history favors one side. Yamal has already written five entries in this personal ledger — and Mbappé will need a sixth to rewrite it.