JAKARTA – Spain’s head coach, Luis de la Fuente, has confirmed that Lamine Yamal is in perfect condition, but he said the star striker would start the match from the bench in the opening match of the 2026 World Cup against Cape Verde, Monday, June 15, 2026, WIB night.
Barcelona winger, Yamal – one of the most famous players at the tournament – has been working hard to recover from an injury with his club on April 22, 2026.
De la Fuente remains optimistic about Yamal’s prospects of being available for Spain’s opening game in Group H of the 2026 World Cup despite the player missing the last warm-up friendly in Mexico last week.
“The good news is that Lamine is in perfect condition. He has reached this point in the condition we want. He is fine, like Nico (Williams) and Victor (Munoz). They are all ready to play even though some will not play the whole game,” said De la Fuente in a press conference before the match in Atlanta on Sunday, June 14, 2026.
Williams and Munoz also suffered injuries although they took full part in the Spanish training session on Sunday at Kennesaw State University, Georgia.
“The doctor said Lamine can play without any problems. Not to play 90 minutes, but to play a few minutes, yes. The process (with Williams) is similar.”
“They have been working together for days, hours, and with the relationship they have, they are happy. They can play, if we think the game needs it,” said De la Fuente.
Meanwhile, De la Fuente insists Spain left-back Marc Cucurella will not be distracted by reports that he is close to completing his move from Chelsea to Real Madrid.
ESPN reported on Sunday that Los Blancos had agreed a deal worth up to 60 million euros for Cucurella as another addition to new coach Jose Mourinho’s squad.
“If this is good news for Cucurella, or anyone else, we will celebrate it. I’m not talking about the club, but if you ask me about Cucurella for the Spanish national team, he convinced me.”
“He has been with us since he was 17, I know his performances, his qualities and his potential. He is probably one of the best left backs in the world, without a doubt,” said De la Fuente.
Spain will also face Saudi Arabia and Uruguay in Group H.
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