2026 World Cup: Lamine Yamal ‘ready for his moment’ as De la Fuente outlines Spain plans

Spain coach Luis de la Fuente believes Lamine Yamal is mentally ready to embrace the spotlight at the World Cup after revealing the teenage winger is “absolutely thrilled and raring to go” despite recent fitness concerns.

The 18-year-old enters the tournament as one of Spain’s biggest attacking weapons after another dazzling season with FC Barcelona, and De la Fuente says the youngster understands the magnitude of the opportunity ahead of him.

“Yamal is absolutely thrilled and raring to go,” De la Fuente said. “He’s a very young lad, just 18, but he has a remarkable sense of maturity and knows that this is his moment.

“You have to seize the moment. And he knows this is his moment.”

Spain head into the World Cup among the leading contenders after lifting the European Championship, with De la Fuente assembling a squad that reflects the growing influence of Barcelona on the national side.

Eight Barcelona players were named in the 26-man squad, including Joan Garcia, Pau Cubarsi, Eric Garcia, Gavi, Pedri, Dani Olmo, Ferran Torres and Yamal, while no player from Real Madrid CF made the final list.

No room for Real Madrid stars

The absence of Real Madrid representation immediately became one of the biggest talking points following the squad announcement, especially with players such as Dani Carvajal and Dean Huijsen missing out.

However, De la Fuente dismissed suggestions that club loyalties influenced his decision-making and insisted the national team remains above domestic rivalries.

“For me, the greatest team there is – the very greatest – is the Spanish national team,” he said during a breakfast meeting with journalists organised by RTVE and EFE.

“I don’t look at where players come from or their background. What matters are Spanish players who are proud to represent their country’s national team and to be part of a united nation.”

Spain’s squad also carries a strong Premier League flavour, with seven players selected from clubs in England, highlighting the depth available to the European champions as they pursue a second World Cup crown following their triumph in South Africa in 2010.

De la Fuente prioritises long-term fitness

Despite optimism surrounding Yamal’s recovery, De la Fuente suggested Spain would avoid unnecessary risks with players who are still working their way back to full fitness.

Yamal, Nico Williams and Mikel Merino are all being monitored ahead of Spain’s opening Group H clash against Cape Verde national football team.

Spain will also face Saudi Arabia national football team and Uruguay national football team in the group stage.

“We’re in contact with all the clubs,” De la Fuente said. “We know that these players are in good physical shape; each one is making good progress in their recovery process. I’m very optimistic; I think they’ll be available for the first match.”

The Spain boss, though, stressed that the tournament could not be approached with a short-term mindset, particularly with the latter stages in view.

“If we have to take a risk, mate, we’ll take it in a World Cup,” he said. “But our view goes beyond the first match and also the second. So, if we have to wait a little longer, we’ll wait.”

Barcelona core to Spain’s ambitions

The prominence of Barcelona players in the squad underlines the club’s growing influence on the national setup, with the creative partnership of Pedri, Gavi and Dani Olmo expected to provide the platform for Yamal to flourish on the biggest stage.

For De la Fuente, however, the emphasis remains firmly on collective identity rather than club affiliations as Spain attempt to convert their status as European champions into world champions.

With Yamal carrying enormous expectations at just 18, Spain’s hopes may ultimately rest on whether their young star can deliver when the pressure intensifies.