Lamine Yamal is now officially with Spain’s national team as they prepare for the 2026 World Cup. The 18-year-old forward joined his teammates after being included in Luis de la Fuente’s official squad list, where he once again appears as one of the most anticipated figures in the group.
Upon arrival, he was seen smiling and relaxed, wearing an all-black outfit, sweater, pants, and belt in the same tone, a look that reflected calm at the beginning of a new chapter with the national team.
His call-up comes in a specific context, marked by the muscle injury he suffered on April 22 during FC Barcelona’s match against Celta Vigo, an incident that forced him to pause his activity during the final stretch of the season.
A controlled return
The injury to his left hamstring has influenced his pre-tournament preparation, although reports on his recovery suggest progress better than expected. Even so, the national team’s coaching staff is following a gradual plan to avoid any risk during the opening weeks of competition.
Lamine Yamal enjoys romantic dinner with Inés García in viral restaurant video
The Spanish camp also brings together several players with recent ties to FC Barcelona, a core group that has gained weight within the national team structure and is now accompanying Yamal in this new stage ahead of the World Cup.
Spain is also entering a preparation phase with friendly matches ahead of their official debut, with scheduled games against Cabo Verde, Saudi Arabia, and Uruguay within their World Cup group setup.
The plan toward his tournament debut
Although his place in the squad is secured, the initial plan from the coaching staff points to a gradual integration. His minutes in the early matches will depend on his physical condition, with the idea of avoiding any rushed return to competition.
The most likely scenario is that his first minutes will come in the third group-stage match, when Spain face Uruguay in Guadalajara, Mexico.
For now, his presence in the squad marks the official start of his journey toward the 2026 World Cup, where Spain hopes his physical and football development will align at the most decisive moment of the tournament.