Why is Lamine Yamal not playing in Spain’s World Cup opener vs. Cape Verde?
Spain begin their World Cup campaign with teenage star Yamal on the bench, as medical staff continue to monitor his recovery from injury closely.
Spain start their 2026 World Cup campaign against Cape Verde on Monday without star attacker Lamine Yamal, although the Barcelona superstar is on the bench after recovering from a hamstring injury.
Injury setback for Barcelona star
The youngster tore his hamstring in his team’s La Liga victory over Celta Vigo on April 22, immediately after scoring the only goal of the match. Tests carried out the following day confirmed the injury, keeping him on the sidelines for several weeks.
Barcelona said the winger would be available for the World Cup, but the timing of the setback made it highly unlikely he would be risked in Spain’s opening game against Cape Verde.
Yamal has, however, recovered faster than expected and could ultimately get some game time as a substitute if required by head coach Luis de la Fuente.
When could Yamal return to Spain’s starting lineup?
Yamal was initially penciled in for Spain’s third group game, where La Roja will face Uruguay on June 26. But fans will be hopeful of seeing him return to the starting lineup in the next game against Saudi Arabia on June 21.
Results and Spain’s position in the group may well influence how much we see of Yamal in the group stage.
If Spain win Group H, as expected, they will face the runner-up in Group J, which includes Argentina, Algeria, Austria, and Jordan. Finishing second would mean taking on the winner of that same group.
If they qualify as one of the best third-placed teams, they would face the winner of either Group A (possibly Mexico), Group G (potentially Belgium), Group I (possibly France), or Group L (containing England).
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Spain’s key man despite his age
Yamal scored on his senior debut for Spain in September 2023, becoming the country’s youngest ever player and goalscorer at 16 years and 57 days. The teenager has earned 25 caps, scoring six goals and playing a key role in La Roja’s Euro 2024 triumph.
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