Lamine Yamal is in “ideal condition” to play in Spain's World Cup opener against Cape Verde on Monday, coach Luis de la Fuente announced. The 17-year-old is not expected to start in Atlanta but has been cleared to feature off the bench after recovering from a hamstring injury that sidelined him for Barcelona's final weeks.
Yamal established himself as Europe's brightest emerging talent by helping Spain win the 2024 European Championship, turning 17 on the eve of that final. His return adds a dynamic attacking option for La Roja as they begin their tournament campaign.
Spain enters the match as heavy favorites, but Cape Verde will look to exploit any rustiness from their more fancied opponents. A win would put Spain in strong early position in Group play.
Spain faces Cape Verde on Monday in Atlanta, with kickoff expected to draw a large partisan crowd. The team will aim to build momentum ahead of tougher group-stage tests later in the tournament.
"He is in ideal condition," de la Fuente said of Yamal. "We are happy to have him available."