Sport: Soccer Country: Spain Category: Injuries

Yamal and Williams likely to suit up for Spain's World Cup opener

2 sources • 1 min read • Latest: Jun 3, 2026, 4:54 PM

Last updated Jun 3, 2026

Yamal and Williams likely to suit up for Spain's World Cup opener

Summary

Spain's coach Luis de la Fuente announced that forwards Lamine Yamal and Nico Williams should be fit for the World Cup opener against Cape Verde on June 15. Both players missed the end of the club season due to hamstring injuries but were included in the World Cup squad. De la Fuente stated they are improving daily and have been coordinated with their clubs regarding rehabilitation. However, neither player will participate in the upcoming friendly against Iraq. Spain begins its Group H campaign in Atlanta, aiming for success in the tournament.

Source Links

ESPN Soccer Yahoo Sports

Status Watch

•Yamal and Williams missed club season's end due to injuries
•De la Fuente expects both to be fit for June 15
•Spain plays Cape Verde in Atlanta to start World Cup
•Neither player will play in friendly against Iraq
•Spain also faces Saudi Arabia and Uruguay in group stage

Latest Updates

5:47 PMESPN Soccer — Spain coach expects Yamal to be fit for WC opener
12:45 PMYahoo Sports — Yamal, Williams should be fit for World Cup opener: De la Fuente

What they're saying

"
Forwards Lamine Yamal and Nico Williams should be fit for Spain's World Cup opener, coach Luis de la Fuente said on Wednesday.Yamal and Williams both missed the end of the club season due to hamstring injuries but De la Fuente included them in his World Cup squad anyway, telling reporters last month he expected both to be fit for the global showpiece.
— Yahoo Sports