Spain just did something no national team has managed in 68 years. In their 2026 FIFA World Cup semi-final, the Spanish squad fielded two teenagers in the starting lineup, a feat not seen since Pelé and José Altafini lined up for Brazil in 1958.

The kids are alright

Lamine Yamal and Pau Cubarsí, both still teenagers, have become the youngest starting duo in a World Cup knockout game in the tournament’s history. Spain’s path to this stage ran through a quarter-final victory over Belgium, their first appearance in a World Cup semi-final since they lifted the trophy in 2010.

Yamal, who recently turned 19, has already racked up a record six World Cup appearances as a player aged 18 or younger.

The semi-final pits Spain against France, meaning Yamal and Cubarsí will share a pitch with Kylian Mbappé.

For context, when Pelé started alongside Altafini in 1958, he was 17 and went on to score six goals in that tournament.

Why the crypto and digital asset world is paying attention

Major football clubs have been issuing fan tokens on platforms like Socios for years. FC Barcelona, where both Yamal and Cubarsí play their club football, has its own fan token (BAR) that has historically seen volume spikes during high-profile moments involving the club’s players.