Barcelona and Spain national team forward Lamine Yamal will be ready to play in the opening match of the 2026 World Cup.
According to Oxu.Az citing Marca, Spain's head coach Luis de la Fuente announced this.
"Nico Williams, Lamine, and Victor Muñoz are recovering on schedule. In the coming days, more specialized training is planned. If there are no complications, they could be ready by the 15th. Everything is harder at the initial stage, but I think all three will be ready," de la Fuente said.
The expert emphasized that each player undergoes an individual recovery process and that Lamine's injury and its duration are different. "But most importantly, by the expected time, he will be ready to be included in the squad," the head coach added.
Recall that the 18-year-old Yamal injured the tendon below his left knee on April 22 after scoring a penalty in the 40th minute against Celta Vigo (1-0). Shortly after, The New York Times claimed the player would miss Spain's first World Cup match.
This year, the forward won the Spanish league title with Barcelona. He has two more league titles, two Super Cups, and one Copa del Rey with the Catalan club. According to Transfermarkt, Yamal is the most valuable player in La Liga at €200 million.
Yamal debuted for Spain in 2023 and has played 25 matches, scoring six goals. He won Euro 2024 with the national team and reached the 2025 Nations League final.
The World Cup will be held from June 11 to July 19. Spain will start the tournament against Cape Verde.
