Rabat – Spain forward Lamine Yamal is expected to miss the opening of the 2026 FIFA World Cup as he continues his recovery from a hamstring injury.
The 18‑year‑old will not be fit for Spain’s first group match against Cape Verde on June 15, and is doubtful for the second game against Saudi Arabia on June 21, according to sources close to his rehabilitation.
The Spanish Football Association (RFEF) has been in regular contact with Barcelona, with medical staff visiting the club to monitor his progress.
Yamal suffered the injury in last month’s La Liga win over Celta Vigo, ruling him out for the rest of the domestic season.
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Barcelona confirmed he would follow a conservative treatment plan, and club officials met with the RFEF last week to coordinate his recovery. Spain’s final group match is against Uruguay on June 26.
Despite the setback, Yamal enjoyed a standout campaign. He made 45 appearances in all competitions, scoring 24 goals and providing 16 assists as Barcelona defended their league title.
His season was not without challenges, as he struggled with pubalgia earlier in the year, but he returned strongly to become one of the team’s key players.
For Spain, Yamal has already earned 25 caps and scored six goals since debuting at 16. He played a major role in their Euro 2024 triumph and was runner‑up in the 2025 Ballon d’Or.
Club vs country tensions
This season has also exposed tensions between Barcelona and Spain over Yamal’s workload. In September, Barça coach Hansi Flick criticized Spain for risking the teenager’s health after he played through painkillers during the international break, returning injured and missing four club games.
Flick later said he had a duty to “protect” his player.
Spain coach Luis de la Fuente defended his staff, insisting they take “zero risks” and only field players deemed fit.
Still, Yamal’s recurring groin problems in October reignited debate, with Barcelona announcing his absence just hours after Spain named him in their squad.
Spain will play two friendlies before the World Cup, against Iraq on June 4 in Coruna, and Peru on June 8 in Puebla, Mexico.
Their 26‑man squad will be announced on May 25. Whether Yamal recovers in time for the later stages of the group phase remains uncertain, but his absence at the start is a major blow for Spain’s hopes.
