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Lamine Yamal, Nico Williams cleared for Spain's World Cup opener

Spanish national team player Lamine Yamal was spotted before friendly match between the Spain and Iraq at the Riazor Stadiumon June 4, 2026 in A Coruna, Spain. (AA Photo)
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Spanish national team player Lamine Yamal was spotted before friendly match between the Spain and Iraq at the Riazor Stadiumon June 4, 2026 in A Coruna, Spain. (AA Photo)
June 08, 2026 10:20 AM GMT+03:00

Spain coach Luis de la Fuente said on Sunday that Barcelona's Lamine Yamal and Athletic Bilbao's Nico Williams will be available for Spain's World Cup opener against Cape Verde on June 15 in Atlanta.

Both players missed the end of their club seasons due to hamstring injuries, raising questions about their readiness for the tournament. Osasuna winger Victor Munoz is also expected to be fit for the group stage opener.

To be cautious, none of the three traveled with the team to Mexico for Monday's friendly against Peru.

They stayed at the team's training base in the United States.

Ferran Torres of Spain competes during the friendly match between the Spanish national team and the Iraqi national team at the Riazor Stadium in A Coruna, Spain on June 4, 2026. (AA Photo)
Ferran Torres of Spain competes during the friendly match between the Spanish national team and the Iraqi national team at the Riazor Stadium in A Coruna, Spain on June 4, 2026. (AA Photo)

Medical staff decision

De la Fuente said the decision to keep the three players behind was based on medical advice.

"We regret that they are not here with us, but the medical and physical conditioning staff advised them to stay there," he said, adding that all three are 'progressing well' in their recovery.

'All three should be available for the next match,' De la Fuente said.

Spain's group stage road

The European champions are among the favorites to win the World Cup, which is being co-hosted by Canada, Mexico and the United States.

Eighteen-year-old Yamal, who is seen as one of Europe's most exciting young talents, is expected to be one of the tournament's standout players.

After playing Cape Verde, Spain will face Saudi Arabia in Atlanta and then finish the group stage against Uruguay in Guadalajara.

Cape Verde will be making their first World Cup appearance, debuting on international football's biggest stage.

June 08, 2026 10:20 AM GMT+03:00
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