Spain ready to gamble on Lamine Yamal fitness for World Cup

With only days remaining before the start of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, tension and anticipation continue to build inside the Spain national team camp as players race to regain full fitness ahead of the tournament.

Spain coach Luis de la Fuente moved to calm concerns surrounding the condition of several key players, insisting that the coaching staff is working closely with club medical teams before making any final decisions.

Speaking during the announcement of Spain’s World Cup squad, De la Fuente addressed the situations involving Lamine Yamal and Nico Williams.

“We are very confident. If there are no setbacks, most of the players will be ready for the first match,” the Spanish coach said.

Coordination With Clubs Continues

De la Fuente explained that Spain’s medical team has been in direct communication with club doctors in recent weeks to carefully monitor the recovery of injured players.

“Our doctors visited the clubs to exchange information about the players. We are coordinating with the clubs, and they will be called up when we see fit,” he stated.

“If they are not ready for the first match, they will be ready for the second match.”

The Spain boss stressed that no unnecessary risks would be taken, although he admitted the importance of having his biggest stars available during the competition.

Calculated Risk on the Table for Yamal

Speaking specifically about teenage sensation Yamal, De la Fuente admitted that Spain could still consider taking a carefully managed risk if necessary.

“We will not rush into anything. We are coordinating with the medical staff of all the clubs. We believe that all the players will be ready for the first or second match. We are talking about the World Cup,” he explained.

Despite his cautious tone, the coach hinted that exceptions could be made due to the magnitude of the tournament.

“If we have to take a risk, now is the right time. Everything is within reason and with the approval of the medical staff,” he added.

Spain Focused on World Cup Ambitions

De la Fuente also underlined the scale of the challenge awaiting Spain at the tournament, which begins on June 11, insisting there is no room for compromise at football’s biggest stage.

“This is the World Cup, and we have a lot at stake. The best players will be playing against Cape Verde,” he said.

Current indications suggest the Spanish coaching staff may carefully manage the minutes of certain players during the opening game against Cape Verde national football team, with priority being placed on ensuring full fitness for the knockout stages.