World Cup 2026: Lamine Yamal trains alone as Spain manage teenage star before Argentina final

Spain have eased concerns over Lamine Yamal’s fitness after the teenage sensation trained separately from the main group as preparations intensified for Sunday’s FIFA World Cup final against Argentina in New Jersey.

Yamal and defender Pedro Porro worked away from their teammates during Thursday’s opening training session at one of Red Bull New York’s facilities, prompting questions over their availability for the biggest match of the tournament.

However, the Royal Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) has moved quickly to calm fears, insisting both players remain on course to feature in the final. The federation described the individual sessions as a precautionary workload management measure rather than a response to any serious injury.

Yamal’s workload carefully managed

The focus has largely been on Yamal after the Barcelona starlet played another decisive role in Spain’s run to the final. Although the 18-year-old avoided any significant injury in the semi-final victory over France, the physical toll of the contest was evident.

Spain head coach Luis de la Fuente had already dismissed concerns immediately after the match, saying the youngster had “nothing”, but the demanding battle against France left the winger nursing bruises and general muscle soreness.

Yamal endured a physical evening against Lucas Digne and Theo Hernandez, absorbing several heavy challenges throughout the contest. Spain’s medical staff are now prioritising recovery to ensure one of their key attacking threats is at peak condition for the showdown with reigning champions Argentina.

With only days separating the semi-final from the final, the coaching staff are unwilling to take unnecessary risks with a player expected to play a pivotal role.

Porro also follows individual programme

Porro also remained away from the main training group after picking up a hamstring strain.

De la Fuente confirmed after the semi-final that the Tottenham Hotspur full-back had been dealing with a knock, although the issue is not believed to be serious enough to jeopardise his place in Sunday’s final.

Spain’s medical team will continue monitoring both players over the coming days, but confidence remains high that they will be available when the two football heavyweights meet for the World Cup crown.

Spain adapt to demanding conditions

Aside from the individual recovery programmes, the remainder of Spain’s squad completed the media-open section of training without incident.

Players appeared relaxed and in high spirits despite temperatures hovering around 30 degrees Celsius and humid conditions in New Jersey.

The environmental conditions present another challenge for De la Fuente’s side, who will play only their second outdoor match of the tournament after spending much of their campaign in climate-controlled stadiums.

Spain now have three days to acclimatise before facing Lionel Messi’s Argentina in a final expected to draw a global audience.