SOCCER

Will Lamine Yamal Play in Spain's First World Cup Match?

bet365 News Team Updated: 4 hours ago

Lamine Yamal's participation in the first game of the 2026 World Cup has been a major doubt ever since the Spanish star sustained a hamstring injury in April.

Lamine Yamal suffered the setback during Barcelona's 1-0 La Liga victory over Celta de Vigo on April 22. The injury sidelined the Ballon d'Or runner-up for the remainder of the domestic season, during which Hansi Flick's side successfully defended their league title.

While the news was a significant blow for Barcelona, it also set off alarm bells at the headquarters of the Spain national soccer team over the possibility of their star winger missing part of the upcoming 2026 World Cup.

Barcelona insisted that Yamal would follow a "conservative treatment plan," and Spain's medical staff maintained constant communication with the club to monitor his progress.

The two organizations had previously clashed over the management of Yamal this season. Flick accused the national team of "not taking care of its players" after the 18-year-old required painkillers to play during the September international window, and returned to Barcelona with a groin issue.

Initially, Yamal's latest injury was expected to keep him off the pitch for two months. Projections suggested he would miss Spain's opening group stage match and be a doubt for the second fixture against Saudi Arabia on June 21.

Yamal was not part of the Spanish squad that traveled for the final warm-up friendly against Peru in Puebla, instead remaining at La Roja's base camp in Chattanooga, TN to focus on his recovery.

Despite his absence, manager Luis de la Fuente offered optimistic news regarding Yamal's availability for the clash with Cape Verde.

Will Lamine Yamal play against Cape Verde?

de la Fuente has confirmed that Yamal is on track to be available for the country's World Cup opener against Cape Verde on Monday, June 15.

The positive update on Yamal coincided with good news regarding the availability of Nico Williams and Víctor Muñoz, who are also in the final stages of their respective recoveries and hope to feature in Spain's tournament debut.

"Barring any setbacks in the coming days, we expect them to be available for the 15th," De la Fuente stated in a press conference. "I believe all three will be in a condition to play."