Lamine Yamal Sits Out Spain's 2026 World Cup Opener Against Cabo Verde—Here's Why

Lamine Yamal's World Cup participation was in jeopardy after he picked up a hamstring injury while featuring for Barcelona in April, but the player widely considered the best in the world has recovered well enough to secure his spot in Spain's 26-man squad.

This competition has the unique ability to shape and define legacies unlike any other. It provides the perfect platform for the planet's elite to shine before a worldwide audience. The game's all-time greats, from Pelé to Lionel Messi, are largely celebrated as such because of their performances on football's biggest stage.

It would have been particularly harsh, therefore, had Yamal been forced to sit out another four years before making his World Cup debut.

The young star claimed the Young Player of the Tournament award at Euro 2024, as Spain put on a commanding display in Germany and lifted the trophy in deserved fashion. There are signs that La Roja could embark on another era of dominance reminiscent of 2008–2012, with Luis de la Fuente's squad among the frontrunners to claim victory in New Jersey on July 19 and secure a second World Cup title.

Spain's campaign kicks off against first-timers Cabo Verde on Monday, and De la Fuente has revealed Yamal's expected role in the opening fixture.

Lamine Yamal Named on Bench vs. Cabo Verde

When Yamal sustained his hamstring injury in April, questions about his World Cup availability arose almost instantly. Early reports suggested the 18-year-old would be targeting Spain's second group stage fixture as his potential tournament debut.

Nevertheless, confidence had been steadily growing in the days leading up to the tournament's opening. Yamal was absent from both of Spain's pre-tournament friendlies, though he did return to full training last week.

Consequently, De la Fuente declared Yamal "ready" ahead of Monday's clash with Cabo Verde, while indicating that the star forward would be used sparingly.

"Lamine is in perfect condition," Spain's head coach told the media (via The Athletic). "He arrives at the [first game] in the physical shape we anticipated. He has trained brilliantly, and we have a fully available squad.

"He is not yet ready to play the full 90 minutes, but he can come on if we feel it's necessary."

Yamal's inclusion among the substitutes was confirmed when the starting lineups were announced ahead of the Atlanta fixture. In his absence from the starting XI, De la Fuente has chosen Ferran Torres and Gavi to support Mikel Oyarzabal. Nico Williams, who also missed the tail end of the season with a hamstring problem, is also named on the bench and set for a potential substitute appearance.

Even without its standout wide players from the start, the European champions are widely expected to handle the energetic Cabo Verdeans with relative ease, as the debutants prepare for their first-ever World Cup match.

Yamal, for his part, will be eyeing a first start at the tournament when Spain takes on Saudi Arabia on Sunday, June 21.