Lamine Yamal issues promising fitness update after first 2026 World Cup appearance

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·19 June 2026

Lamine Yamal issues promising fitness update after first 2026 World Cup appearance

The start to the 2026 World Cup has been far from ideal for Barcelona superstar Lamine Yamal, who could only appear from the bench during Spain’s goalless draw against Cape Verde earlier this week. The 18-year-old was not at 100% going into the tournament due to hamstring injury that he sustained in April, but it was good for him and La Roja that he made his comeback in Atlanta.

Had he started, Spain would have certainly had a much better chance of defeating Cape Verde, but that does not matter now. Lamine Yamal and his teammates must focus on the upcoming match against Saudi Arabia, and as per Teledeporte (via Sport), he confirmed that he should be able to start – although playing 90 minutes is still out of the question.

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“It’s still too early to play a whole game, it’s not the time, but I can start and play as many minutes as the coach wants. He chooses. I feel very good and I’m looking forward to it. I had been off the field for a long time, but I feel very good. I’m taking it easy. It’s not something different for me. I know what I am, in Spain and abroad. What I have to do is try to give my best. I had never had any physical problems and I hope it doesn’t happen to me again, but if it happens I will have to be professional. Of course I thought about the World Cup when I was injured, but the doctors calmed me down and, fortunately, here I am.”

Lamine Yamal unbothered by Cape Verde blow

Image via Florencia Tan Jun/Getty Images

Lamine Yamal also believes that the draw to Cape Verde has been massively blown out of proportion, as the first match does very little towards Spain’s bid to become world champions for the second time in their history.

“It’s better to turn the page. There was a giant stir for a draw. For me, winning the first game 6-0 is worth nothing. The important thing is to get a feeling. On Sunday we have to win, but the draw against Cape Verde says nothing. It’s time to turn the page and win.”

He was also asked about Lionel Messi scoring a hat-trick for Argentina in a 3-0 victory over Algeria in their 2026 World Cup opener.

“Every game shows that he is the best in history. If anyone has doubts about it, it is because they are looking for them. My idol is Neymar because of his style of play, but Leo is the best in history.”