Yamal on track to make World Cup debut for Spain against Cape Verde on 15 June

Lamine Yamal is set to make his World Cup debut for Spain in their opening group fixture against Cape Verde on 15 June, with coach Luis de la Fuente confirming the Barcelona forward is on track to be fit despite a hamstring injury that has kept him sidelined since 22 April.

De la Fuente stopped short of guaranteeing a starting role for the 18-year-old, but told reporters: “All three are on track to be fit to play on the 15th. We do not know how many minutes they will be able to play. But Lamine’s injury was different from Nico and Victor. Each player will have their own recovery process and timeline. However, the most important thing is that, within the timeframe we had planned, the 15th is achievable and will be met, so that they are with us and are available to be selected at some point during the opening game.”

Yamal, along with wingers Nico Williams and Victor Munoz, has been left out of Spain’s final pre-tournament friendly against Peru in Puebla, Mexico, as all three continue their respective recoveries.

The injury forced Yamal to miss the closing stages of Barcelona’s La Liga title-winning campaign, but Spain’s medical staff appear satisfied with his progress heading into the tournament.

Spain’s preparations were briefly unsettled by a heavy challenge from Gavi on Manchester City midfielder Rodri during a training session, which prompted visible concern in camp. De la Fuente moved quickly to defuse the situation, saying: “This is football. It’s training. The players are very committed, and nobody has to apologise to anybody. Everything is fine. We know Gavi, he has that energy, that drive. That’s one of his virtues. He has to control it and ration it. But I want this Gavi.”

Spain arrive at the World Cup in North America as one of the tournament favourites, having won Euro 2024 in their last major competition. Their recent form underlines that status — La Roja have lost just once in their last 29 matches, a penalty shootout defeat to Portugal in the 2025 Nations League final, though back-to-back draws against Iraq and Egypt have offered a note of caution.

Forward Yeremy Pino acknowledged the weight of expectation, telling reporters: “The favourites tag is normal. We’ve had some very good years and we carry that with a lot of pride. Pressure should not make us play worse. It should make us improve and play better.”