Yamal benched as Spain begin World Cup campaign

Spain will start their 2026 FIFA World Cup campaign without teenage star Lamine Yamal in the starting line-up after head coach Luis de la Fuente opted to leave the winger on the bench for the Group H clash against Cape Verde.

The decision comes despite Yamal returning to full fitness following the hamstring injury that disrupted the closing stages of his season with FC Barcelona.

Spain’s coaching staff have chosen a cautious approach as the European giants begin their quest for a second World Cup title.

Spain managing Yamal’s workload

Speaking before the match, De la Fuente explained that Yamal is available but not yet ready to play a full game.

“The best news is that Lamine is in perfect condition, following the planned schedule. He is doing very well and training strongly. He is available to play without any issues, but not for 90 minutes.”

The Spain coach also confirmed that Yamal, along with Nico Williams and Víctor Muñoz, would begin the match among the substitutes.

“Lamine Yamal, Nico Williams, and Víctor Muñoz will not start, but we will see how the match develops and what they can contribute to the team.”

Yamal suffered a left hamstring tear during Barcelona’s La Liga match against Celta Vigo in April and missed the remainder of the club season.

After an intensive rehabilitation programme, he returned to training in time to make Spain’s World Cup squad.

Spain line up without teenage star

With Yamal on the bench, Spain have named the following starting XI:

Unai Simón; Marcos Llorente, Pau Cubarsí, Aymeric Laporte, Marc Cucurella; Rodri, Pedri, Fabián Ruiz; Gavi, Ferran Torres, Mikel Oyarzabal.

The match represents Spain’s first outing in Group H, where they will also face Saudi Arabia and Uruguay.

Although Yamal will not start, the 18-year-old is expected to feature at some stage if needed, with Spain hoping to ease one of their most influential players back into action as the tournament progresses.

The Barcelona winger remains a key figure in La Roja’s plans and could play a decisive role later in the competition.