Lamine Yamal

Yamal (hamstring) trained Saturday and is likely to be an option for their opener on June 15 against Cape Verde in a limited manner, according to Javier Miguel of AS Diario.

Analysis: Yamal continues to work on his fitness following a hamstring injury and is nearing a return to play, as he did train Saturday. This further reinforces his chances of playing in their opener against Cape Verde, although with some limitations. Barcelona has been closely monitoring his health, and it appears they will be fine with him playing the opener, although under strict caution to prevent further injury. With Spain playing a weaker opponent, these are restrictions they will likely meet. Either way, they will want him healthy for the remainder of the World Cup, a player with a true chance of winning Player of the Tournament.

Jun 3, 2026

Opener availability reinforced

Yamal (hamstring) has received further reinforcement that he will be an option for their World Cup opener against Cape Verde on June 15, according to manager Luis de la Fuente, per ESPN.

Analysis: Yamal is still working on a comeback for the World Cup, and it appears he will be fit for their opener, recovering from a hamstring injury. He will skip out on their friendlies as he tries to remain at a good level for the actual tournament, not risking anything ahead of a huge debut World Cup for the winger. The only question that seems to remain is how much he will play in the opener if fit, as they are facing a far inferior opponent in Cape Verde, potentially just remaining on the bench. Once he is fit, he is likely to lead the Spanish team's attack from the flank, a major storyline heading into the 2026 World Cup.

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Lamine Yamal

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