Cesar Azpilicueta has cast doubt over Lamine Yamal's output for Spain at the 2026 World Cup, suggesting the Barcelona teenager has room to deliver more — even after collecting the Man of the Match award in Spain's 2-1 quarter-final win over Belgium.

Speaking as a pundit on the BBC, the former Spain international acknowledged that Yamal was involved throughout the contest but noted that his contributions had not yet translated into goals or assists. Yamal completed four successful dribbles and created 0.33 expected assists in the match, yet finished without a direct goal involvement.

Defender's challenge unsettles Yamal

Azpilicueta pointed to the impact of Belgium substitute Joaquin Seys as a key factor in limiting Yamal in the second half. "I think when Joaquin Seys came on in the second half he defended Lamine Yamal really well," he said. "He was very strong and he was defending 1v1 in a lot of situations."

Despite that, Azpilicueta stressed that Yamal's influence on Spain's play remains undeniable. "Lamine Yamal wants the ball and he wants to take defenders on," he added. "It is true that his game has not transferred into goals or assists, but he is very influential in Spain's game. He wants to create the difference."

The former Spain captain concluded on an optimistic note: "He is always moving, so I think he has more to give to the team and now is the right time."

France awaits in the semi-finals

Spain now face Didier Deschamps' France in the semi-finals, and the stakes could not be higher for Yamal. By his own elevated standards, the winger has had a relatively quiet tournament in North America, and Spain will need their primary creator firing at full capacity if they are to reach the final.

The semi-final stage represents the biggest opportunity yet for Yamal to silence any doubts and demonstrate that he belongs among the tournament's elite performers.