Spain Coach De La Fuente: Lamine Yamal to Be Included in World Cup Squad — Expected Fit for Final Group Match

Spain head coach Luis de la Fuente addressed Lamine Yamal's hamstring injury (suffered in Barcelona's late-April win over Celta Vigo) on May 1, confirming that the 17-year-old winger will be included in Spain's World Cup squad despite his club season being over. De la Fuente indicated Yamal is expected to recover in time for Spain's third and final Group H match, meaning he could potentially miss Spain's opener on June 15 and possibly the second group game, but be available for the decisive third fixture before the round of 32. Barcelona confirmed Yamal's season is over but that recovery timelines are compatible with a tournament return. Yamal was widely considered one of the most exciting attacking players in the expanded 48-team tournament and his absence from Spain's early matches would represent a significant blow to Luis de la Fuente's offensive system. Spain are in Group H alongside Morocco, Paraguay, and Uruguay.