Yamal cleared to come off the bench for Spain's World Cup opener against Cape Verde

Lamine Yamal is fit to play in Spain’s 2026 World Cup opener against Cape Verde in Atlanta on Monday, coach Luis de la Fuente confirmed at a pre-match press conference, though the 18-year-old is expected to come off the bench rather than start.

Yamal has been working his way back from a hamstring injury that forced him to miss the final weeks of the season at Barcelona. De la Fuente said the decision to include him was made in consultation with medical staff from both club and country.

“We are following the indications of medical staff from Barcelona, his club, and also from the Spanish national team, with the fitness coaches. Everything says that Lamine Yamal is ready to play tomorrow,” de la Fuente said. “We don’t know how much. It is a matter of how the game is evolving, the game situation, that gives you a hint of when he might jump on the pitch, but he is in ideal condition to play tomorrow.”

The coach was equally direct about the limits of Yamal’s availability. “Lamine Yamal is ready to play for a few minutes and our medical team agree on that decision. Otherwise, he wouldn’t be even on the bench.”

Yamal announced himself on the international stage at Euro 2024, helping Spain lift the trophy despite only turning 17 on the eve of the final. Now widely regarded as the most likely heir to Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo as the sport’s dominant figure, his presence has already been felt in the United States before a ball has been kicked — an advertisement bearing his image towers over the stadium in Atlanta where Spain begins its campaign.

Spain enter the tournament as co-favourites alongside France and as reigning European champions, mirroring the position they held before winning their only World Cup title in 2010. De la Fuente was careful not to let that status breed complacency, particularly against Cape Verde, who are appearing in their first World Cup.

“They might be one of the teams springing a surprise in this World Cup,” he said of the debutants.

On the weight of expectation surrounding his squad, de la Fuente added: “This is just recognition for everything we have done to come this far. We are humble. We know how difficult it is to win any match and to win the World Cup.”