Spain XI vs Saudi Arabia: Lamine Yamal injury latest, predicted lineup, confirmed team news for World Cup today

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Evening Standard

·21 juin 2026

Spain XI vs Saudi Arabia: Lamine Yamal injury latest, predicted lineup, confirmed team news for World Cup today

New Liverpool star dealt injury blow ahead of matchday two as Spain sweat over star man

Lamine Yamal has admitted that he is not yet ready to play a full 90 minutes as Spain prepare to face Saudi Arabia in the second of their World Cup 2026 group stage games.

Vidéos OneFootball

The Barcelona came into this tournament with a hamstring problem that saw him miss the end of the season, but he returned to action in Spain’s shock 0-0 draw with Cape Verde in their opener.

He came on on the right flank for Luis de la Fuente’s side, but was given just 20 minutes to make an impact as the European champions were frustrated by the minnows.

Now, the Barcelona star has issued an update on his fitness ahead of taking on the Saudis in Atlanta, Georgia.

"I'm fine, I'm feeling good, but it's too soon, it's unnecessary,” Yamal told TVE about playing a full game.

“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.”

Lamine Yamal is not fully fit after a hamstring issue

Getty

Therefore that could mean Ferran Torres continues on the right wing, with Mikel Oyarzabal, who scored the winner against England in the Euro 2024 final, up top.

Gavi was the starting left winger but was replaced by Nico Williams against Cape Verde, while Rodri, Pedri and Fabian Ruiz were the midfield three.

Don’t expect the engine room to change, but if Williams is fully fit, he is likely to come in on the left, despite an injury-hit campaign at Athletic Club.

In defence, Marcos Llorente, a natural midfielder, was at right-back, and seems to be the first-choice there, while Marc Cucurella, now of Real Madrid, is on the left.

Pau Cubarsi and Aymeric Laporte will continue in the middle.

There is a blow for De La Fuente, with Victor Munoz, now of Liverpool, suffering a setback in his recovery from an underlying calf problem that he arrived in north America with.

The Spanish FA released a statement on the winger, saying: "During his scheduled and individualised recovery process, an additional muscle injury has occurred, which will delay his return to competition," the RFEF said about Munoz's latest injury.

"His availability for upcoming matches will depend on his progress and rehabilitation in the coming days."

Injured: Munoz

Doubt: Yamal, Williams

Date and time: 5pm BST on Sunday, June 21, 2026

Venue: Atlanta Stadium, Georgia

How to watch: BBC