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Lamine Yamal is reportedly set to miss Spain's opening World Cup match and is also a doubt for the team's second group game, delivering an unsettling blow to the reigning European champions.
Barcelona's gifted teenager has been on the sidelines since suffering a hamstring tear exactly 50 days before the tournament kicks off. Initial optimism suggested Yamal would recover in time for his first World Cup appearance, with Spain manager Luis de la Fuente widely expected to call up the player he has called "touched by God" regardless of his fitness level.
While Barcelona secured the La Liga title during his absence, Yamal did his part to lift spirits by posting encouraging updates on social media showing him returning to light gym sessions. However, the latest information emerging from the Spanish football federation tells a far less optimistic story.
Spain's 2026 World Cup Matches Which Lamine Yamal May Miss
Date | Opponent | Venue |
|---|---|---|
June 15 | Cabo Verde | Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Atlanta |
June 21 | Saudi Arabia | Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Atlanta |
Any hopes of Yamal appearing in Spain's opening group match against World Cup newcomers Cabo Verde have been all but ruled out, according to a fresh report from The Athletic. La Roja's star player is also considered a "major doubt" for the second group-stage clash against Saudi Arabia.
How Yamal's recovery unfolds remains to be seen, though there is a general expectation that the 18-year-old will feature at some point in Spain's group finale against Uruguay on June 26 at Mexico's Estadio Akron.
Spain should still be well-positioned to collect points against Cabo Verde and Saudi Arabia even without their Barcelona talisman. The Euro 2024 champion is the clear frontrunner to finish top of what looks like a manageable group, and has every reason to push for it. Should Spain stumble and finish as runners-up, they would face the winner of Group J — which notably includes defending world champion Argentina.
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Yamal Is Not Spain's Only Injury Concern
Nothing was at stake in Barcelona's final home game of the season against Real Betis on Sunday evening. The title had already been wrapped up and the prospect of 100 points had faded, yet Fermín López still buzzed around the Camp Nou pitch with his trademark relentless energy — only to be withdrawn at half-time.
Barcelona confirmed the next day that the in-form midfielder had fractured a metatarsal in his right foot during the match. The injury will need surgery, and The Athletic is among several outlets reporting concerns that he could miss the World Cup altogether.
This is a significant setback for Spain, a side not exactly overflowing with attacking depth.
Dani Olmo is the obvious candidate to step into his Barcelona teammate's role (and may well have started even without Fermín's injury), but the longest World Cup in history will ultimately be decided by squad depth rather than first-choice line-ups.