Spain coach: Yamal's readiness for the World Cup does not guarantee his participation

Spain coach: Yamal's readiness for the World Cup does not guarantee his participation

 Spain coach Luis de la Fuente confirmed that Barcelona star Lamine Yamal, who suffered a hamstring injury at the end of the season, "should be ready" for their opening 2026 World Cup match against Cape Verde on June 15. "If things continue as they have so far, Lamine should be ready for the June 15 game, but that doesn't necessarily mean he will play," the Spanish coach told a press conference. "We will assess the situation at the appropriate time."

Yamal, along with Athletic Bilbao's Neco Williams and Arsenal's Mikel Merino, will not be available for Thursday's friendly against Iraq in La Coruña, the penultimate match for the European champions before the start of the World Cup in the United States, Mexico, and Canada. De la Fuente added: "The condition of the players who arrived injured is improving as expected."

The draw placed Spain in Group H alongside Cape Verde, Saudi Arabia, and Uruguay. Undefeated in competitive matches since 2023, Spain is logically among the favorites to win the title. They will begin their campaign in Atlanta on June 15 against Cape Verde, before facing Saudi Arabia on June 21. Their third match against Uruguay will be held in Guadalajara, Mexico, on June 27.