Will Lamine Yamal miss first World Cup match after Barcelona’s serious injury warning? Spain’s 2026 World Cup plan raises big questions

Lamine Yamal’s injury has become one of the biggest talking points for Spain before the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The young Barcelona star has been ruled out for the rest of the club season after suffering a hamstring injury, but both Barcelona and Spain still expect him to be available for the tournament in the USA, Mexico, and Canada. According to Reuters and reports from COPE, the main focus now is making sure he returns safely and does not suffer another setback.

Spain already has a careful step-by-step plan for Yamal. The idea is not to rush him back too early. Instead, the coaching staff wants him fully ready for the knockout rounds, where his presence could make a huge difference. Barcelona have also asked Spain to be very careful because the club does not want the teenager to risk a relapse after an already difficult season.

Lamine Yamal may miss Spain’s first World Cup match before gradual return against Saudi Arabia

According to COPE, Spain’s current plan is for Lamine Yamal to miss the opening World Cup group game against Cape Verde on June 15. This would give him extra time to recover and avoid unnecessary pressure in the first match. Spain believe patience now could help them later in the tournament.

The next step would be a short return against Saudi Arabia in the second group match. Reports say Spain wants Yamal to play around 20 minutes in that game. The goal is simple, help him slowly get match fitness without putting too much stress on his body too soon. If everything goes well, he should then be fully ready for the final Group H match against Uruguay.

Barcelona are strongly supporting this slow approach. The club confirmed that Yamal has a left leg hamstring injury and will follow what they called a “conservative treatment plan.” Barcelona also made it clear that while he will miss the rest of the season, they still expect him to be fit for the World Cup.

Spain will enter the tournament as one of the favorites, and manager Luis de la Fuente knows how important Yamal can be, especially after his strong rise with both club and country. At just 18, he is already seen as one of Spain’s biggest attacking threats.

Now, the biggest hope for Spain is simple, get Lamine Yamal healthy first, and let the football come later.


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