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Yamal Fit For Spain’s World Cup Opener
Yamal and Athletic Bilbao's Williams both missed the end of the club season with hamstring injuries and their imminent returns will
Spain’s forward #19 Lamine Yamal celebrates scoring his team’s first goal during the UEFA Euro 2024 semi-final football match between Spain and France at the Munich Football Arena in Munich on July 9, 2024. (Photo by Tobias SCHWARZ / AFP)
Teenage Barcelona star Lamine Yamal and fellow winger Nico Williams will be available for Spain’s World Cup opener against debutants Cape Verde on June 15, coach Luis de la Fuente said on Sunday.
Yamal and Athletic Bilbao’s Williams both missed the end of the club season with hamstring injuries and their imminent returns will be a big boost to the European champions.
Osasuna winger Victor Munoz is also expected to be fit for Spain’s opening game in Atlanta, although none travelled to Mexico for Monday’s friendly with Peru and instead remained at their training camp in the United States.
Spain’s team, including Spain’s forward #19 Lamine Yamal and Spain’s forward #11 Nico Williams celebrates scoring the team’s fourth goal during the UEFA Nations League semi-final football match between Spain and France in Stuttgart, southwestern Germany, on June 5, 2025. (Photo by THOMAS KIENZLE / AFP)
“We regret that they are not here with us, but the medical and physical conditioning staff advised them to stay there,” De la Fuente said.
“All three should be available for the next match… they are progressing well in their recovery and are doing very well.”
Spain will be one of the favourites at the World Cup in Canada, Mexico and the United States, and the 18-year-old Yamal could be one of the star performers.
After facing Cape Verde, Spain will play Saudi Arabia in Atlanta before finishing their group stage campaign against Uruguay in Guadalajara.
