Spain winger Lamine Yamal is relieved to be included in his country’s 2026 World Cup squad after fears he would miss the tournament due to a hamstring injury.
The 18-year-old, who is expected to play a key role in Spain’s World Cup campaign, is currently recovering from the injury and is likely to miss his country’s opening Group H match against Cape Verde.
However, Spain manager Luis de la Fuente remains optimistic that players who miss the first game will be available for the second group fixture against Saudi Arabia.
Speaking from Spain’s training camp, Yamal admitted the injury immediately raised concerns about his World Cup hopes.
“Yes, I remember the sequence in which I got injured,” he said. “I was praying internally that it was nothing serious, just a cramp or something, because I was so close to the World Cup.”
The Barcelona star explained that the uncertainty surrounding the injury was particularly difficult because it was his first significant hamstring problem.
“I knew it was a hamstring injury, something I’d never had before, but it wasn’t a small thing. I was afraid it was serious, and especially afraid that it wasn’t serious but that I could relapse and miss the World Cup.”
Although disappointed to be sidelined, Yamal believes the enforced break could help him arrive at the tournament physically refreshed after another demanding season.
“It’s also true that it helps to be playing in a World Cup, so your mind is as if you haven’t played a single game all season,” he said. “I’m really looking forward to making my debut.”
Yamal also insisted that the pressure of being one of Spain’s biggest stars does not affect him negatively.
“It suits me better,” he said. “When your standards are higher, you raise your level. I see it as a challenge and I really enjoy it.”
The teenager reflected on his remarkable rise, adding: “In my mind it’s like I’ve been playing football for 10 years, but in reality it’s only been three. Four years ago I was playing with them at the sports centre. Now I’m going to play in a World Cup. It’s crazy.”
Spain have other fitness concerns ahead of the tournament, with Nico Williams still recovering from injury and Mikel Merino only recently returning from a lengthy spell on the sidelines.
Spain will begin their World Cup campaign in Group H against Cape Verde before facing Saudi Arabia and Uruguay as they aim to reach the knockout stages.
