World Cup 2026: Lamine Yamal admits he is not ready for full match against Saudi Arabia

Spain star Lamine Yamal has admitted he is not yet ready to play a full 90 minutes ahead of his country’s crucial FIFA World Cup 2026 clash against Saudi Arabia, as the young forward continues his recovery from the injury he suffered with Barcelona at the end of last season.

Spain head into Sunday’s Group H encounter under growing pressure after dropping points against Cape Verde in their opening match, increasing the importance of securing a positive result to strengthen their qualification hopes.

Yamal featured as a substitute during the final stages of Spain’s opening game but was unable to prevent La Roja from stumbling in their first outing of the tournament.

Yamal Cautious About Fitness Recovery

Speaking to Spanish state television RTVE, the Barcelona winger stressed that he does not believe the time is right to return to full-match action.

“I don’t think I’m ready to play a full match. It’s still too early, and there’s no need to rush,” Yamal said.

The teenager explained that he is still adapting physically following his injury setback and prefers a gradual return to competitive action.

“I am still going through the adaptation phase, and it is not the right time to play a full 90 minutes, but I can participate in the minutes that the coach sees fit.”

World Cup Pressure During Injury Recovery

Yamal also reflected on the mental challenge of recovering from injury so close to the World Cup, admitting the tournament remained constantly on his mind throughout the rehabilitation process.

“Every player in the final stage of the season thinks about the World Cup when he suffers any injury, and of course he also thinks about his club, but the World Cup remains present in his mind,” he said.

The Spain international revealed he was reassured after receiving positive feedback from medical staff regarding his recovery.

“Thank God the doctors told me that I would be fully ready to participate, and here I am now, very happy.”

Yamal Praises Nico Williams

During the interview, Yamal also praised teammate Nico Williams and acknowledged that the Athletic Club winger is currently ahead of him physically.

“Nico is physically better than me at the moment. There’s no need to rush, we have a great team with high-level players, so we should take things calmly,” he explained.

The comments highlighted the depth available to Spain despite concerns surrounding Yamal’s fitness ahead of the decisive clash against Saudi Arabia.

Handling Stardom in the United States

Yamal also addressed the growing popularity he has enjoyed during the tournament in the United States, insisting the attention has not distracted him from his performances on the pitch.

“I’m taking it calmly, it’s nothing different for me. I know my place in Spain and abroad. I always try to perform at my best because that’s what people expect from me,” he stated.

The Barcelona star added that the visibility surrounding him is something he views as motivation rather than pressure.

“If your picture is on one of the buildings here, it’s because you are able to deliver things on the field that fans like and that make them enjoy watching you play.”

Spain Seeking Response Against Saudi Arabia

Spain now face a critical test against Saudi Arabia as they attempt to recover from their disappointing opening result against Cape Verde.

With Yamal still managing his fitness carefully, attention will turn to whether the teenage star can make a decisive impact if called upon during another high-pressure World Cup night.