World Cup 2026: Lamine Yamal available for Spain vs. Cabo Verde, coach confirms

Spanish national team coach Luis de la Fuente announced that 18-year-old sensation Lamine Yamal is fit and available for selection in Spain's World Cup debut against Cabo Verde on Monday. While Yamal will not start the match, he is in perfect condition and ready to contribute minutes if needed.

“

The best news is that Lamine is in perfect condition, he has arrived fantastically, training very well, like Nico (Williams) and Víctor (Muñoz). He is available, although not to start the match, we will see how the game develops.

"The best news is that Lamine is in perfect condition, he has arrived fantastically, training very well, like Nico (Williams) and Víctor (Muñoz)," De la Fuente stated. "He is available, although not to start the match, we will see how the game develops." He added that if Yamal were not ready, he wouldn't even be on the bench.

“

If he were not, he wouldn't even be sitting on the bench.

Yamal had been recovering from a left thigh muscle injury sustained during the final stretch of the season with Barcelona. Nico Williams and Víctor Muñoz were also dealing with similar injury concerns but have also been cleared to play. The coach emphasized the team's strong collective spirit, referring to them as a "family." He explained that this concept, which originated during the Euros, fosters unity, solidarity, generosity, and camaraderie, prioritizing the collective good.

“

The favoritism is a bit of a literary resource. What does it mean in sports? It places you among the possible candidates, but only one wins...

De la Fuente also addressed the notion of favoritism, calling it a "literary resource" that acknowledges a team's trajectory but doesn't guarantee victory. He highlighted the strong character and attitude of his players as a key asset. Regarding their opponent, Cabo Verde, De la Fuente cautioned that they should not be underestimated. "They have very defined tactical concepts, footballers with great physicality, very fast, they were capable of eliminating Cameroon," he noted. "Surely it will be one of the surprises of the World Cup. We will have to suffer to win. The general public will discover tomorrow what Cabo Verde can do."

“

They have very defined tactical concepts, footballers with great physicality, very fast, they were capable of leaving Cameroon out. Surely it will be one of the surprises of the World Cup. We will have to suffer to win.