BREAKING: Yamal starts for Spain against Saudi Arabia | OneFootball

Ollie Whitmore, Chief football news reporter

Lamine Yamal has started for the first time at the 2026 World Cup in La Roja’s meeting with Saudi Arabia in their second game in Group H at the Atlanta Stadium.

It comes contrary to expectation, with the 18-year-old telling TVE that he was not ready for a full 90 minutes and still feeling the effects of a hamstring injury sustained towards the end of the La Liga season with champions Barcelona.

“I’m fine, I’m feeling good, but it’s too soon, it’s unnecessary,” Yamal told TVE about the chance of playing a full match.

“I’m still settling in. It’s not the right time to play a full match yet, but I can play for as many minutes as the manager wants.”

Yamal was given a 20-minute cameo against Cape Verde by his manager de la Fuente and was unable to make an impact on proceedings as they were held to a frustrating draw despite all of their dominance.

He may be withdrawn before the end of the fixture depending on how La Roja fare against the Middle Eastern side, who are currently occupying second in the group ahead of the European champions.

Spain have faced Saudi Arabia three times since 2006, with La Roja winning all three meetings while their opponents look for a first win against them at the World Cup.

The match will kick off at 17:00 (BST) with live coverage being broadcast on BBC One and the BBC Sport website.

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