Spain head coach Luis de la Fuente has confirmed that teenage sensation Lamine Yamal is on track to be fit for the nation’s opening 2026 FIFA World Cup group stage match against Cape Verde. The news will come as a major boost for the reigning European champions, who had been monitoring the 18-year-old’s recovery closely following a injury setback.
Yamal’s Injury and Recovery Timeline
Yamal suffered an injury while representing Barcelona against Osasuna in La Liga back in May, which brought his club season to a premature end and ruled him out for over a month. When Spain’s World Cup squad was first announced, De la Fuente suggested the winger could miss the first one or two group stage fixtures, with a return expected in time for the knockout rounds.
However, speaking at a press conference on Monday, the Euro 2024-winning coach delivered a far more optimistic update, stating that Yamal’s recovery is progressing perfectly. “We know he will arrive in excellent condition — I dare say he will be ready for the first game, but we will continue to monitor his progress,” De la Fuente said. He also urged the youngster to remain focused, keep improving, and continue taking care of himself — something he noted Yamal is already doing.
Spain’s Group Stage Road at the 2026 World Cup
Spain will kick off their World Cup campaign against Cape Verde — making their historic debut at the tournament — on Monday, June 15 at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta. La Roja will then face Saudi Arabia before rounding off the group stage with a high-stakes clash against Uruguay, setting up what promises to be a fiercely competitive opening chapter for the defending European champions.
