Yamal and Williams return to Spain training to ease World Cup fitness fears

Lamine Yamal and Nico Williams returned to full training with Spain at their base camp in Chattanooga, Tennessee, on Thursday — a significant relief for head coach Luis de la Fuente just days before the European champions open their 2026 World Cup campaign against Cabo Verde in Atlanta on June 15.

Both wide forwards had been major doubts for the tournament after missing Spain’s final warm-up friendly against Peru on Monday. Yamal, Williams, and Víctor Muñoz were kept back at the training base to undergo intensive rehabilitation while the rest of the squad travelled for that fixture.

The concern surrounding Yamal had been particularly acute. The 18-year-old Barcelona winger has not featured in a competitive match since April 22 because of a left hamstring injury, and his prolonged absence had raised fears he might miss the group stage entirely. De la Fuente said last week he expects Yamal to be “ready to play” against Cabo Verde, though he acknowledged the teenager’s involvement could be limited to “just a few minutes” initially.

The mood in camp lifted visibly on Thursday. Teammates welcomed Yamal and Williams back by having them run the gauntlet at the start of the session, a traditional squad ritual, while goalkeeper Unai Simón joined the celebrations as the group also marked his birthday.

With their full attacking complement now available, Spain can turn their attention to the tactical preparation required for Group H. De la Fuente’s side are among the pre-tournament favourites, and the return of their two most explosive wide players only reinforces that standing.

After Cabo Verde, Spain face Saudi Arabia on June 21 in Atlanta and Uruguay on June 26 in Guadalajara, Mexico, as they pursue a second World Cup title.