Fans hoping to see Lamine Yamal start Spain's FIFA World Cup opener against Cape Verde received their answer shortly before kickoff on Monday. The 18-year-old was not included in Spain's starting lineup and will begin the match on the bench. However, there is good news for supporters. Spain head coach Luis de la Fuente confirmed that Yamal is fit and available to play a role in the game.
The update is important because Yamal's World Cup status had been uncertain for weeks. The Barcelona star suffered a hamstring injury late in the club season and missed Spain's pre-tournament friendly matches. Since then, he has been working his way back to full fitness. Although he is not ready to start against Cape Verde, Spain's coaching staff believes he can contribute during the match if needed.
Lamine Yamal Fitness Update as Luis de la Fuente Explains Spain's Decision
Spain revealed its starting lineup through a social media video featuring player signatures. Yamal's name was missing from the starting eleven, confirming that he would not begin the match on the field.
Speaking before the game, De la Fuente explained that the young star is feeling much better physically. He said, "Well, let me decide, right? The good news is Lamine is very fit … he feels very well."
The Spain manager also stressed that the winger has followed every step of his recovery plan. According to De la Fuente, Yamal has been training at a high level with the squad in recent days.
"He is following the set process. He is in good shape. He is training very well," De la Fuente said. "We'll have to see how the game progresses, but they're all feeling very well."
A day earlier, the coach had already suggested that Yamal would likely not start. He explained that the teenager may not yet be ready to handle a full match after spending several weeks away from competitive action.
"Everything says that Lamine Yamal is ready to play tomorrow," De la Fuente said on Sunday. "Maybe not ready to play 90 minutes, but he can participate in the game."
The coach added, "Lamine Yamal is ready to play a few minutes, and our medical team made that decision. If it was a question if he was going to play, he wouldn't even be on the bench."
Spain enters the tournament as one of the favorites to lift the trophy. A big reason for that confidence is Yamal's presence. The teenager helped Spain win Euro 2024 and has quickly become one of the most exciting young players in world football. For now, fans will have to wait and see when he makes his World Cup return against Cape Verde.
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