Luis de la Fuente delivers Lamine Yamal fitness update before World Cup final: ‘He took a heavy knock, but…’ | OneFootball

Spain manager Luis de la Fuente has confirmed Barcelona winger Lamine Yamal is fit for the 2026 FIFA World Cup final after easing concerns over the teenager’s condition following the semi-final victory over France.

With Spain preparing to face Lionel Messi’s Argentina in Sunday’s final, questions surrounding Yamal’s fitness had become one of the biggest talking points before the match. 

The Barcelona star took a heavy challenge during the semi-final, but De la Fuente has now revealed there are no concerns about his availability as La Roja chase a first World Cup title since 2010.

De la Fuente confirms Yamal is fit for World Cup final

Speaking ahead of Spain’s final training sessions, De la Fuente stressed that simply reaching the World Cup final is an achievement in itself, while insisting his squad intend to complete the job against Argentina.

“It’s already a luxury, a privilege, to be in a final. I’d be happy to reach a final every time, even if we lost it. 

“The important thing is to play in a final and, what’s more, to be able to fight to win it, using our own strengths and qualities, against a truly great opponent with a truly great track record.”

De la Fuente has provided an update on Lamine Yamal’s fitness. (Photo by Florencia Tan Jun/Getty Images)

The Spain manager was then asked about Yamal after the Barcelona youngster appeared to suffer a painful knock in the previous match.

Providing an update on the winger, De la Fuente said,

“He’s fine, there are no problems with him. He took a heavy knock, but he coped with the match perfectly. 

“We gave him a rest yesterday; today he’s been training with his teammates as normal.”

Spain boss rejects Messi comparisons

With Yamal set to face Messi in the biggest match of his young career, De la Fuente was also asked whether the Barcelona teenager can be compared with the Argentine captain.

Luis de la Fuente has nothing but respect for Argentina and Scaloni. (Photo by Lars Baron/Getty Images)

Rather than encouraging those comparisons, the Spain coach insisted Yamal should continue developing in his own way.

“Lamine has to be Lamine. Messi is a one-of-a-kind player and is having a spectacular World Cup. And Lamine also has spectacular potential.”

The Spain manager later dismissed suggestions that Argentina rely on overly physical tactics, making it clear he has enormous respect for both the world champions and his opposite number, Lionel Scaloni.

“I respect all opinions, but no. I have great admiration for the national team. 

“They’ve just made history and are managed by a friend of mine. Everyone will use their own footballing tactics, but this is a football match,” he concluded.