Yamal admits it's 'still too soon' to start for Spain as hamstring limits World Cup role

Lamine Yamal has admitted he is not ready to start for Spain at the 2026 World Cup, with the Barcelona forward managing a left hamstring injury that saw him enter as a substitute in the 71st minute of La Roja’s opening 0-0 draw against Cape Verde on Monday.

“I’m fine, I feel good, but it’s still too soon,” Yamal told Spanish broadcaster RTVE. “It’s unnecessary to take risks. I’m going through an adaptation process, it’s not the time to play a full match yet. But I can play as many minutes as the coach wants.”

Spain face Saudi Arabia in Atlanta on Sunday before a potentially decisive Group H clash with Uruguay in Guadalajara — a match in which having Yamal at full fitness could prove critical for the reigning European champions.

The 18-year-old also revealed that winger Nico Williams, who arrived at the tournament carrying his own injury, is further along in his recovery. “Physically he’s even better than me,” Yamal said. “We’re not in a rush. We have a great team with top-level players and we have to go step by step.”

Yamal enters the tournament as one of its most high-profile figures. He was central to Spain’s Euro 2024 triumph and led Barcelona to the La Liga title last season. His profile in the United States has been underlined by a large advertisement bearing his image outside Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, where Spain opened their campaign.

“I’m taking it naturally, it’s something I’m used to,” Yamal said of his growing global fame. “I know what I represent both outside of Spain and in Spain. I try to always give my best — that’s what the fans want. If you have your image on that building, it’s because you can do things on the field that people like, things that excite them when they see you play.”

Spain’s stuttering start against Cape Verde, a nation of roughly half a million people making their World Cup debut, underlined how much La Roja may need Yamal at his best as the group stage progresses.