Spain forward Lamine Yamal is expected to miss the opening matches of the 2026 World Cup after sustaining a thigh injury, with Barcelona confirming the teenager will not feature again this season.
The 18-year-old suffered a muscle injury in his left thigh while converting a penalty during Barcelona’s 1-0 victory over Celta Vigo in the Spanish League. The incident occurred in the 33rd round of the competition and has since prompted concern over his availability for both club and country.
Following medical examinations, the Catalan club announced in an official statement that Yamal would not return before the end of the current campaign. He will instead continue his rehabilitation programme within the club’s medical facilities.
Reports indicate that Barcelona’s medical and technical staff have already begun planning his recovery timeline, with particular attention paid to the upcoming World Cup, which will be held across Mexico, Canada and the United States.
According to sources close to the club, Yamal is likely to miss Spain’s first two group-stage matches against Cape Verde and Saudi Arabia. The same reports suggest that Barcelona convened an internal meeting at their Joan Gamper training complex to discuss the player’s condition and outline a cautious rehabilitation strategy.
The meeting reportedly included physiotherapy specialists Raul Martinez and Fernando Galan, who contributed to shaping a recovery plan prioritising the player’s long-term fitness. The club’s position is clear: Yamal will not be rushed back into action, even if that decision impacts his participation in the early stages of the World Cup.
Barcelona prioritise long-term fitness over early return
Barcelona’s cautious stance is informed by previous experiences with similar injuries. The club has seen players such as Lionel Messi and Ousmane Dembele suffer setbacks after hamstring problems, leading to a more conservative approach in Yamal’s case.
As a result, the current plan is for the young forward to make his return during Spain’s third group match, scheduled against Uruguay on 27 June in Guadalajara, western Mexico.
Yamal has become a central figure in Spain’s national team despite his age. He played a significant role in the country’s triumph at Euro 2024, featuring in every match and contributing to five goals during the tournament.
His rise has been rapid, with the forward — who has Moroccan heritage through his father — establishing himself as a key attacking presence for Spain. To date, he has made 25 international appearances across competitions, underlining his importance to the squad.
Spain manager Luis de la Fuente is likely to feel the impact of Yamal’s absence in the early stages of the World Cup, given the player’s influence and creativity in attack.
Race against time ahead of global tournament
With the World Cup approaching, attention will now turn to how effectively Yamal can recover and reintegrate into the squad. While his absence from the opening fixtures would be a setback, the long-term priority remains ensuring he returns fully fit.
Barcelona’s measured approach reflects both the player’s importance and the risks associated with rushing recovery, as Spain weigh their options ahead of one of football’s biggest tournaments.
