Lamine Yamal set for bench role in Spain's World Cup opener against Cape Verde

FIFA World Cup 2026: Spain have received a fitness boost ahead of their World Cup opener, but fans may have to wait a little longer to see Lamine Yamal from the start. Luis de la Fuente confirmed the teenager is fit but not ready for a full match.

In Short

• Yamal is available after injury but remains short of full match fitness
• De la Fuente said substitutions will depend on how the match develops
• Nico Williams and Victor Munoz are also fit but unlikely starters

Spain wonderkid Lamine Yamal will not start La Roja's FIFA World Cup 2026 opener against Cape Verde, with head coach Luis de la Fuente confirming the teenager is set for a substitute role as he continues his recovery from injury. The 18-year-old is fit enough to be involved but remains short of full match fitness ahead of Monday's Group H clash.

Spain head into the tournament as one of the favourites after winning Euro 2024 and boasting a squad packed with attacking talent. Speaking at his pre-match press conference, De la Fuente revealed that Yamal, along with Nico Williams and Victor Munoz, is available but unlikely to start.

"The good news is that Lamine is very fit," De la Fuente told reporters.

"He's following the set process, and he's in good shape, he's training very well, just like his other colleagues who had some sort of injury. They're all available, and they won't be able to play from the start of the match."

The Spain boss added that any decision regarding Yamal's involvement would depend entirely on how the game unfolds.

"We'll have to wait and see how the game progresses, and then we'll make a decision on how they can contribute to the team."

"It's a matter of logic, of how the game is evolving, the game situation."

Yamal has not played a competitive match since April after struggling with a combination of groin and hamstring issues. The Barcelona star also missed Spain's recent warm-up fixtures, leading to concerns over whether he would be available for the opening group-stage match.

Despite those concerns, De la Fuente insisted the teenager's recovery remains on track as Spain prepare to begin their latest bid for World Cup glory.

IS LAMINE YAMAL INJURED IN WORLD CUP?

Yamal arrived at the tournament carrying fitness concerns after missing the closing stages of the domestic season.

The 18-year-old suffered hamstring and groin problems that kept him out of action for several weeks, forcing him to miss Spain's recent friendlies before the World Cup.

Initially, there were fears that the Barcelona winger could miss Spain's opener altogether and potentially face a race against time to be ready for the second group-stage match against Saudi Arabia.

However, Spain's medical staff have gradually increased his workload, allowing him to return to full training with the squad. While he is not yet ready for 90 minutes, De la Fuente's comments suggest the youngster is close to a complete recovery.

WILL LAMINE YAMAL PLAY SPAIN VS CAPE VERDE?

Yes, Yamal is expected to feature against Cape Verde, although likely from the bench.

De la Fuente confirmed that the teenager is available for selection and could be introduced depending on the state of the match. Spain are keen to avoid rushing one of their most important players back too quickly, especially with Saudi Arabia and Uruguay still to come in Group H.

As reigning European champions begin their World Cup campaign, the focus will be on securing three points. If the match situation allows, fans could finally see Yamal make his long-awaited return and take his first steps onto football's biggest stage in 2026.

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