Spain considers Lamine Yamal for starting role against Saudi Arabia
Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Jun 18, 2026, 4:04 PM
Last updated Jun 18, 2026
Spain is contemplating starting Lamine Yamal in their FIFA World Cup match against Saudi Arabia on June 18, 2026. Following a 0-0 draw with Cape Verde, coach Luis de la Fuente is expected to make changes, and medical staff believe Yamal is fit to play 45 minutes despite potential risks of relapse. The Barcelona forward previously came off the bench for 17 minutes in the match against Cape Verde, where he showed promise upon returning from injury. Other players, including Dani Olmo and Alex Baena, are also in contention for the starting XI.
- •Lamine Yamal showed promise in his return from injury.
- •Spain drew 0-0 against Cape Verde in their tournament opener.
- •Coach Luis de la Fuente is likely to alter the lineup.
- •Medical staff think Yamal can contribute for 45 minutes.
- •Other potential starters include Dani Olmo and Alex Baena.
- 11:56 PMYahoo Sports — De la Fuente hints that Yamal could start match against Saudi Arabia
- 4:04 PMYahoo Sports — Will Lamine Yamal start against Saudi Arabia? Spain think Barcelona star ready to play 45 minutes
"Spain coach Luis de la Fuente initially didn't want to say whether Lamine Yamal would against Saudi Arabia, but eventually hinted that the 18-year-old talent might be in the starting line-up for the second group stage match at the World Cup. "We're seeing the real Lamine Yamal, his finesse.
"His chances of being in the starting XI are said to be “increasing.”
Sources
External links- Yahoo SportsJun 20, 2026, 11:56 PMDe la Fuente hints that Yamal could start match against Saudi Arabia
Spain coach Luis de la Fuente initially didn't want to say whether Lamine Yamal would against Saudi Arabia, but eventually hinted that the 18-year-old talent might be in the starting line-up for the second group stage match at the World Cup. "We're seeing the real Lamine Yamal, his finesse.
- Yahoo SportsJun 18, 2026, 4:04 PMWill Lamine Yamal start against Saudi Arabia? Spain think Barcelona star ready to play 45 minutes
His chances of being in the starting XI are said to be “increasing.”
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