Spain dealt major blow as Lamine Yamal set to miss 2026 World Cup opener

Spain are set to begin their 2026 FIFA World Cup campaign without teenage sensation Lamine Yamal as the Barcelona star is unlikely to recover in time from a hamstring injury.

According to reports, the 18-year-old midfielder is highly expected to miss Spain’s opening Group L clash against Cape Verde on June 15, dealing a significant setback to Luis de la Fuente’s side ahead of the tournament.

Yamal, who has been one of Spain’s most influential attacking players in recent months, is reportedly still recovering from a hamstring problem suffered towards the end of the season with Barcelona.

The worrying development does not stop with the opening game, as Spain’s coaching staff are also said to believe the youngster could miss the second group-stage encounter against Saudi Arabia on June 21.

His potential absence would be a huge blow for La Roja, considering the impact he has had for both club and country over the past year.

Despite his young age, Yamal has established himself as one of the brightest talents in world football, enjoying a sensational campaign with Barcelona. The attacking midfielder featured in 45 matches across all competitions this season, scoring 24 goals while providing 18 assists.

His creativity, pace, and ability to decide games have made him a key figure for Spain heading into the World Cup, with many expecting him to play a leading role in their quest for global glory.

Spain are drawn in Group L alongside Cape Verde, Uruguay, and Saudi Arabia, with the Europeans among the favourites to progress deep into the tournament.

However, the possible absence of Yamal in the early stages could force Spain to reshuffle their attacking plans as they seek a strong start to their campaign in the United States, Canada, and Mexico.

Spanish fans and the national team medical staff will now be anxiously monitoring the youngster’s recovery in the hope that he can return before the knockout stages.