Spain expects Lamine Yamal to be ready for opener

Field Level Media
08 Jun 2026, 20:10 GMT+10

(Photo credit: Brett Davis-Imagn Images)

Spain is expecting teen phenom Lamine Yamal to be available for the June 15 World Cup opener against Cape Verde in Atlanta.

The 18-year-old midfielder missed the end of Barcelona's season with a left hamstring strain, and the injury will keep him idle for Monday's final tune-up friendly against Peru in Puebla, Mexico.

Spain head coach Luis de la Fuente said he was hopeful that Yamal and forwards Nico Williams and Victor Munoz will be available for the Group H opener, but did not speculate on their availability to start.

'If there are no setbacks in the coming days, we expect them to be ?available on the 15th,' De la Fuente said, according to Reuters. 'I think all three ?will be in a position ?to play.'

'All three are ?within the expected timelines to arrive in ?good condition for June 15,' he added. 'The most important thing is that those timelines are being met and will continue to be met, so they can be ?with us and available to be selected at some point in the match.'

Yamal was runner-up in the 2025 Ballon d'Or voting for the best player in the world. He also helped Spain win the Euro 2024 title after turning 17 during the tournament.

He has six goals in 25 career appearances for the Spanish national team, which enters the tournament ranked No. 2 in the world behind defending World Cup champion Argentina.

--Field Level Media

Watch latest videos

News RELEASES

Publish news of your business, community or sports group, personnel appointments, major event and more by submitting a news release to BC Post.

More Information

International

Section

Fuel shock and aircraft shortages test airline recovery

RIO DE JANEIRO, Brazil: Airline executives from around the world are meeting in Rio de Janeiro this weekend amid growing concerns that...

Learn from Ukraine, Gulf wars on defense spending, Taiwan advised

TAIPEI, Taiwan: Taiwan should use its defense money more wisely and learn from the wars in Ukraine and the Middle East, especially...

Ballistic missiles fired toward Bahrain, Kuwait by Iran

CAIRO, Egypt: Iran launched ballistic missiles and drones toward Bahrain and Kuwait early on June 6, Bahrain's government said, adding...

Former Spirit staff face long road back after airline shutdown

NEW YORK CITY, New York: The sudden collapse of Spirit Airlines has left thousands of pilots, flight attendants, and other employees...

Hegseth links migration concerns to D-Day anniversary event

PARIS, France: U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth used a speech marking the anniversary of the D-Day landings to urge European countries...

Norway's Crown Princess put on waiting list for lung transplant

OSLO, Norway: Norway's Crown Princess Mette-Marit has been put on a waiting list for a lung transplant after her health got worse,...

Sports

Section

Argentina closer to full health ahead of World Cup opener

(Photo credit: Sam Navarro-Imagn Images) Argentina's national team seems to be trending up health-wise ahead of its World Cup opener...

Broncos LB Jonathon Cooper pleads not guilty to domestic violence

(Photo credit: Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images) Denver Broncos outside linebacker Jonathon Cooper pleaded not guilty to misdemeanor domestic...

Thomas Tuchel says Jude Bellingham among '14-15 potential starters' for England at FIFA World Cup

London [UK], June 8 (ANI): England manager Thomas Tuchel has said that Jude Bellingham faces strong competition for a place in the...

"Not being tipped as favourites will allow more freedom, composure": Hazard on Belgium's WC chances, downplays 'golden generation' tag

Brussels [Belgium], June 8 (ANI): Former Belgium footballer Eden Hazard dismissed the men's national side's long-talked-about 'golden...

"Don't want tournament to be Taylor Swift concert": MLS commissioner wants FIFA WC to bring long-lasting attention to US

Los Angeles [US], June 8 (ANI): Major League Soccer (MLS) Commissioner Don Garber said that the league is looking at the FIFA World...

William Saliba fit for final friendly, on target for France's World Cup opener

(Photo credit: Yukihito Taguchi-Imagn Images) William Saliba was deemed fit ahead of France's final friendly before the World Cup...