Spain will begin their 2026 FIFA World Cup campaign without teenage star Lamine Yamal in the starting lineup, as head coach Luis de la Fuente chose to keep the winger on the bench for the Group H match against Cape Verde.

The decision comes despite Yamal’s return to full fitness following a hamstring injury that interrupted the last portions of his season with FC Barcelona.

Spain’s coaching staff has taken a cautious approach as the European giants begin their quest for a second World Cup crown.

De la Fuente stated before the match that Yamal is available but not yet ready to play a complete game.

“The best news is that Lamine is in perfect condition, following the planned schedule. He is doing very well and training strongly. He is available to play without any issues, but not for 90 minutes.”

The Spain coach confirmed that Yamal, Nico Williams, and Víctor Muñoz would start the match as replacements.

“Lamine Yamal, Nico Williams, and Víctor Muñoz will not start, but we will see how the match develops and what they can contribute to the team.”

Yamal tore his left hamstring during Barcelona’s La Liga encounter against Celta Vigo in April, forcing him to miss the rest of the season.

Following an aggressive rehabilitation regimen, he returned to training in time to make Spain’s World Cup roster.

With Yamal on the bench, Spain picked the following starting XI:

Unai Simón; Marcos Llorente, Pau Cubarsí, Aymeric Laporte, Marc Cucurella; Rodri, Pedri, Fabián Ruiz; Gavi, Ferran Torres, and Mikel Oyarzabal.

Spain’s first encounter in Group H will pit them against Saudi Arabia and Uruguay.

Although Yamal will not start, the 18-year-old is anticipated to participate at some point if necessary, with Spain seeking to ease one of their most crucial players back into the game as the tournament develops.

The Barcelona winger is still a vital element in La Roja’s plans and might play a crucial role later in the competition.