Spain have been dealt a major blow ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup after reports confirmed that Barcelona star Lamine Yamal is expected to miss the national team’s opening group-stage match due to injury concerns.
According to reports from The Athletic, the 18-year-old winger is still recovering from the hamstring injury he suffered during FC Barcelona’s La Liga victory over Celta Vigo last month.
The current expectation is that Yamal will not be fit in time for Spain’s first World Cup match against Cape Verde on June 15. His availability for the second group-stage clash against Saudi Arabia on June 21 also remains in doubt.
The Royal Spanish Football Federation is reportedly maintaining close contact with Barcelona’s medical staff throughout the player’s rehabilitation process. Federation doctors have been traveling regularly to Catalunya to monitor his recovery alongside the club’s medical team.
Barcelona had previously confirmed that Yamal would follow a “conservative treatment plan” after suffering discomfort in his hamstring, ruling him out for the remainder of the club season.
The possible absence of Yamal would be a significant setback for Spain, given his growing importance in the national team’s attack. The young forward has become one of the most dangerous and creative players in European football thanks to his pace, dribbling ability, and attacking versatility.
Spain will conclude their group-stage campaign against Uruguay, though there is still no official timeline regarding Yamal’s return to full fitness.
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