Lamine Yamal is reportedly expected to miss Spain national football team’s opening match of the 2026 FIFA World Cup as concerns continue over the winger’s recovery from injury.
According to a report published by The Athletic, the Barcelona forward is unlikely to be available for Spain’s first Group H fixture against Cape Verde national football team.
The report also stated that the teenager’s participation in Spain’s second group-stage match against Saudi Arabia national football team remains highly uncertain.
Yamal has been sidelined with a hamstring injury suffered while playing for FC Barcelona last month.
The injury forced the young attacker to miss the remainder of Barcelona’s season after he was hurt during the club’s league match against RC Celta de Vigo in the 32nd round of the Spanish championship.
Despite his absence in the closing weeks of the campaign, Yamal enjoyed another impressive season with Barcelona and continued to strengthen his reputation as one of the brightest young talents in world football.
The 18-year-old featured in 45 matches across all competitions during his third full season with the Catalan club, scoring 24 goals and contributing 16 assists.
His performances established him as one of Barcelona’s key attacking players and an increasingly important figure for the Spanish national team heading into the World Cup.
According to the report, officials within the Royal Spanish Football Federation are closely monitoring the player’s recovery process.
Sources cited by The Athletic said the federation has remained in constant communication with both Barcelona and the player himself since the injury occurred.
Members of Spain’s medical staff are also said to have made regular visits to Barcelona in order to assess Yamal’s condition and follow his rehabilitation programme closely.
Spain are set to compete in Group H at the 2026 World Cup alongside Saudi Arabia, Uruguay and Cape Verde.
The possible absence of Yamal would represent a significant setback for the Spanish side ahead of the tournament, particularly given the attacker’s growing influence within the national team setup.
Although no official decision has yet been announced regarding his availability, uncertainty surrounding his condition has already generated concern among supporters and coaching staff.
Spain will hope the winger can recover in time to feature later in the tournament should he miss the opening stages of the competition.
The situation also places additional attention on Barcelona’s medical management and the coordination between club and national team staff as they attempt to balance the player’s long-term fitness with the demands of a major international tournament.
With the World Cup approaching, Yamal’s recovery is expected to remain one of the most closely followed stories within the Spanish camp.
For now, Spain appear to be preparing for the possibility of beginning their campaign without one of their most dangerous attacking players available.
