A Dallas barber is playing an unexpected role at the 2026 FIFA World Cup after being chosen to cut the hair of both Spain and France ahead of their semifinal showdown.

Bryan Guardado, a 22-year-old barber based in Dallas, has been working with Spain’s national team throughout the tournament after reconnecting with teenage superstar Lamine Yamal.

The relationship dates back several years when FC Barcelona visited North Texas for a match. Guardado reached out to several Barcelona players on social media offering his services, but only Yamal responded.

Now, as one of the biggest stars in world football, Yamal remembered the Dallas barber and invited him to travel with Spain during the World Cup, making sure the squad stayed looking sharp throughout the tournament.

Guardado has been cutting the hair of several Spanish players ahead of each match, including before Tuesday’s semifinal against France at Dallas Stadium.

His work quickly caught the attention of Spain’s opponents as well.

After seeing videos of Guardado’s haircuts on social media, France defender Lucas Digne reached out and asked if he could also cut the hair of the French squad before the semifinal.

The unique story has become one of the tournament’s more unexpected off-field moments, highlighting how social media, persistence, and one message sent years ago led to an opportunity on football’s biggest stage.

“If I would have never done that back then, I would’ve never had this opportunity now,” Guardado said. “That’s why I tell people to just shoot your shot.”

For the Dallas barber, the World Cup has become much more than just watching matches. It’s a chance to leave his own mark on two of the biggest teams still chasing football’s biggest prize.