Spain will begin their 2026 FIFA World Cup campaign without their teenage star Lamine Yamal in the starting line-up after head coach Luis de la Fuente decided to leave the winger on the bench for the Group H match against Cape Verde.
The decision comes despite Yamal’s return to full fitness following a hamstring injury that disrupted the final stages of his season with FC Barcelona.
Spain’s coaching staff have opted for a cautious approach as the European giants begin their quest for a second World Cup title.
Spain manages Yamal’s business
Speaking before the game, De la Fuente explained that Yamal is available but not yet ready to play a full game.
“The best news is that Lamine is in perfect condition, following the planned schedule. He is working very well and training hard. He is available to play without any problems, but not for 90 minutes.”
The Spanish coach also confirmed that Yamal, along with Nico Williams and Víctor Muñoz, will start the game among the substitutes.
“Lamine Yamal, Nico Williams and Víctor Muñoz will not start, but we will see how the match develops and what they can contribute to the team.”
Yamal suffered a ruptured left hamstring during Barcelona’s La Liga game against Celta Vigo in April and has missed the rest of the club’s season.
After an intensive rehabilitation program, he returned to training in time to make Spain’s World Cup squad.
Spain in the lineup without the teenage star
With Yamal on the bench, Spain named the following starting XI:
Unai Simón; Marcos Llorente, Pau Cubarsí, Aymeric Laporte, Marc Cucurella; Rodri, Pedri, Fabián Ruiz; Gavi, Ferran Torres, Mikel Oyarzabal.
This match marks Spain’s first appearance in Group H, where they will also face Saudi Arabia and Uruguay.
Although Yamal will not start, the 18-year-old is expected to feature at some stage if needed, with Spain hoping to facilitate the return of one of their most influential players to action as the tournament progresses.
The Barcelona winger remains a key figure in La Roja’s plans and could play a decisive role later in the competition.
