Will Lamine Yamal play in the 2026 World Cup for Spain? Injury latest and return timeline
Barcelona star Yamal left the field in tears after scoring the winner vs. Celta Vigo, with the LaLiga giants confirming a hamstring injury.
The Spain national team has had a narrow escape regarding the fitness of star attacker Lamine Yamal, who was forced off the field with an injury moments after scoring Barcelona’s winning goal against Celta Vigo on Wednesday.
What injury does Lamine Yamal have?
Yamal went to the ground clutching his leg and immediately asked for medical attention after converting from the penalty spot. Team doctor Ricard Pruna quickly signaled that the winger would be unable to continue, and Yamal appeared visibly upset as he made his way off the field, albeit unaided.
On Thursday, Barça revealed tests had confirmed Yamal had suffered a hamstring injury and that he would miss the remainder of the domestic season. However, the club also allayed fears that his participation in the World Cup was at risk.
Barcelona give Yamal World Cup verdict
“The tests carried out have confirmed that first-team player Lamine Yamal has a hamstring injury in his left leg (biceps femoris muscle),” Barcelona posted on X. “The player will follow a conservative treatment plan. Lamine Yamal will miss the remainder of the season, and he is expected to be available for the World Cup."
The tests carried out have confirmed that first-team player Lamine Yamal has a hamstring injury in his left leg (biceps femoris muscle).
— FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona) April 23, 2026
The player will follow a conservative treatment plan. Lamine Yamal will miss the remainder of the season, and he is expected to be available… pic.twitter.com/8UU4Bg9bDh
Although not stated outright, the update suggests Yamal has suffered a Grade 2, or moderate, tear, which typically sidelines players for three to four weeks.
A Grade 3, or severe, tear, which includes complete ruptures, would have been the worst-case scenario. In that instance, Yamal would have been sidelined for anywhere from a month to up to three months if surgery had been required.
When is Yamal and Spain’s first World Cup 2026 game?
Spain’s first World Cup game, scheduled for June 15 against Cape Verde, is seven and a half weeks away. Attention in Spain will now turn to ensuring Yamal is as close to 100% fit as possible as the world’s biggest sporting event gets underway.
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