Lamine Yamal has admitted that he is not yet ready to play a full 90 minutes as Spain prepare to face Saudi Arabia in the second of their World Cup 2026 group stage games. The Barcelona star came into this tournament with a hamstring problem that saw him miss the end of the season, but he returned to action in Spain’s shock 0-0 draw with Cape Verde in their opener. He came on for 20 minutes on the right flank for Luis de la Fuente’s side, but the European champions were frustrated by the minnows.
Yamal issues fitness update
Now, the Barcelona star has issued an update on his fitness ahead of taking on the Saudis in Atlanta, Georgia. "I'm fine, I'm feeling good, but it's too soon, it's unnecessary," Yamal told TVE about playing a full game. "I'm still settling in – it's not the right time to play a full match yet – but I can play for as many minutes as the manager wants."
Predicted Spain XI and injury news
Therefore, Ferran Torres could continue on the right wing, with Mikel Oyarzabal, who scored the winner against England in the Euro 2024 final, up top. Gavi started as the left winger but was replaced by Nico Williams against Cape Verde, while Rodri, Pedri and Fabian Ruiz formed the midfield three. Don’t expect the engine room to change, but if Williams is fully fit, he is likely to come in on the left, despite an injury-hit campaign at Athletic Club.
In defence, Marcos Llorente, a natural midfielder, was at right-back and seems to be the first-choice there, while Marc Cucurella, now of Real Madrid, is on the left. Pau Cubarsi and Aymeric Laporte will continue in the middle.
Victor Munoz setback
There is a blow for De La Fuente, with Victor Munoz, now of Liverpool, suffering a setback in his recovery from an underlying calf problem that he arrived in north America with. The Spanish FA released a statement on the winger, saying: "During his scheduled and individualised recovery process, an additional muscle injury has occurred, which will delay his return to competition," the RFEF said about Munoz's latest injury. "His availability for upcoming matches will depend on his progress and rehabilitation in the coming days."
Predicted Spain XI (4-3-3)
Simon; Llorente, Cubarsi, Laporte, Cucurella; Pedri, Rodri, Fabian; Torres, Oyarzabal, Williams. Injured: Munoz. Doubt: Yamal, Williams.
Match details
Date and time: 5pm BST on Sunday, June 21, 2026. Venue: Atlanta Stadium, Georgia. How to watch: BBC.
