Spain’s preparations for the FIFA World Cup have been strengthened by the return to full training of key attackers Lamine Yamal and Nico Williams. Both players, who had been doubtful for the opening match against Cape Verde on June 15, were seen training with full intensity at the team’s base camp in Chattanooga, Tennessee.
Yamal and Williams, along with Victor Munoz, had missed the final warm-up match against Peru on June 8 due to injuries, undergoing rehabilitation at the training base while the rest of the squad gained match practice.
Particular concerns surrounded Barcelona’s Lamine Yamal, who had not featured in competitive football since April 22 because of a left hamstring injury. As one of football’s emerging talents, Yamal is seen as vital to Spain’s attacking style and the tournament’s commercial and fan appeal. Earlier fears suggested he might miss the entire group stage, but the situation is now more positive.
Spain head coach Luis de la Fuente said last week he expects Yamal to be “ready to play” in the opening game, although his involvement might be limited to “just a few minutes.” His presence, even briefly, is considered significant by Spanish supporters and the team.
During training, teammates celebrated Yamal and Nico’s recovery by inviting them to run the gauntlet, contributing to an upbeat mood which also marked the birthday of goalkeeper Unai Simon.
After facing Cape Verde on June 15, Spain will meet Saudi Arabia on June 21 in Atlanta and Uruguay on June 26 in Guadalajara, Mexico. Spain are aiming for their second FIFA World Cup title, having last won in 2010, and enter the tournament following their 2024 European Championship victory and a runners-up finish in the UEFA Nations League.
The Spain squad for the 2026 World Cup includes:
Goalkeepers: Unai Simon (Athletic Club), David Raya (Arsenal), Joan Garcia (Barcelona)
Defenders: Marc Cucurella (Chelsea), Pau Cubarsi (Barcelona), Aymeric Laporte (Athletic Club), Alex Grimaldo (Bayer Leverkusen), Pedro Porro (Tottenham Hotspur), Eric Garcia (Barcelona), Marcos Llorente (Atletico Madrid), Marc Pubill (Atletico Madrid).
Midfielders: Gavi (Barcelona), Rodri (Manchester City), Pedri (Barcelona), Martin Zubimendi (Arsenal), Fabian Ruiz (PSG), Alex Baena (Atletico Madrid), Mikel Merino (Arsenal)
Forwards: Lamine Yamal (Barcelona), Nico Williams (Athletic Club), Dani Olmo (Barcelona), Ferran Torres (Barcelona), Mikel Oyarzabal (Real Sociedad), Yeremy Pino (Crystal Palace), Borja Iglesias (Celta Vigo), Victor Munoz (Osasuna).
Comments are closed.