Yamal Joins Pele and Bouaddi as Youngest World Cup Quarterfinalists

Spanish footballer Lamine Yamal has become the third youngest player in history to participate in a World Cup quarterfinal match, doing so at the age of 18 years and 362 days.

Yamal, who is making his World Cup debut, ranks behind the late Brazilian legend Pelé, who played against Wales in the 1958 World Cup quarterfinals at 17 years and 239 days old, and Moroccan midfielder Ayoub Bouaddi, who appeared for his national team against France in the same stage of the current tournament on Thursday at 18 years and 280 days old.

Spain's national team continued its pursuit of a second World Cup title by advancing to the semifinals after securing a thrilling 2-1 victory over Belgium on Friday in the quarterfinals of the tournament currently hosted by the United States, Mexico, and Canada.

The 2010 World Cup champions Spain will face France in the semifinals, setting up a highly anticipated European clash. France became the first team to reach the semifinals of this World Cup after defeating Morocco 2-0 on Thursday.

Following the win against Belgium, Yamal commented on the difficulty of the match, stating, "I am very happy to have qualified for the semifinals. The Belgian team was a very tough opponent. The match was complicated, but I am in good shape."