Lamine Yamal risks missing first two games at 2026 World Cup

Spain could be forced to begin their 2026 FIFA World Cup campaign without Barcelona star Lamine Yamal due to an injury setback.

Yamal, who has already been ruled out for the remainder of the current campaign faces a race against time to regain full fitness for the global showpiece in June.

The enterprising winger could miss the first two games against Cape Verde and Saudi Arabia, but expected to be fit for the final group game against Uruguay.

Barcelona are increasingly cautious about rushing the teenager back into action, sparking concerns bout his availability for the opening fixtures at the biggest soccer mundial.

To avoid any risk of aggravating the injury, the Spanish giants would prefer that Yamal miss the first two games for Spain, provided he is not at 100 percent.

Barcelona are closely monitoring his recovery, and should there be any doubts over his condition, discussions with the Royal Spanish Football Federation are expected. The priority remains protecting the long-term fitness of the prodigious winger rather than risking him too early on the biggest stage.

In that scenario, Yamal’s tournament could realistically begin later, potentially making his first appearance against Uruguay national football team once he is fully match-ready.

For Spain, the situation presents a delicate balancing act—managing a generational talent’s fitness while navigating the early pressure of a World Cup campaign. For Yamal, it means patience may be required, even as the world waits to see him shine on football’s grandest stage.