Lamine Yamal starts on the bench as Spain begin their World Cup campaign

Lamine Yamal will start on the bench for Spain’s opening match of the 2026 World Cup on Monday against Cape Verde in Atlanta. The FC Barcelona number 10, injured to the thigh on April 22, did not participate in the Roja’s warm-up friendlies.

The 17-year-old winger could come on during the match to gradually regain match fitness without taking risks before Spain’s two other group games against Saudi Arabia and Uruguay.

In his absence, Ferran Torres occupies the right flank of Spain’s attack, with Gavi on the left. The midfield is entrusted to the trio Rodri-Pedri-Fabian Ruiz, with Mikel Oyarzabal leading the line.

Spain lineup: Unai Simon — Marcos Llorente, Cubarsi, Laporte, Cucurella — Pedri, Rodri, Fabian Ruiz — Ferran Torres, Oyarzabal, Gavi.