**Title: Spain’s Lamine Yamal Cautious About Full Match Participation Amid Recovery**
**Date: June 19, 2026**
Spain's rising football star, Lamine Yamal, has expressed his reservations about playing a full 90 minutes in the ongoing World Cup as he continues to recover from a hamstring injury. The 18-year-old winger, who plays for FC Barcelona, made his first appearance in the tournament as a substitute during Spain's opening match against Cape Verde, which ended in a surprising goalless draw.
In an interview with Spanish public broadcaster RTVE, Yamal stated, “It’s very early, it’s unnecessary,” when discussing the prospect of playing the entire match against Saudi Arabia. He emphasized that while he feels capable of contributing to the team, he believes it is not yet the right time for him to take on a full game. “It’s not the time to play a whole match, but I can play whatever minutes the coach wants,” he added.
Yamal's cautious approach comes after he sustained his injury in mid-April, which sidelined him for several weeks. His return to the pitch was marked by a 71st-minute substitution against Cape Verde, a match that saw Spain struggle to secure a win against the World Cup debutants. Despite Yamal's presence, the Spanish team could not find the back of the net, leaving them eager for a better performance in their next match.
Spain's head coach, Luis de la Fuente, has indicated that he plans to utilize Yamal more in the upcoming game against Saudi Arabia. Speaking on Radio Cope, De la Fuente mentioned that Yamal would likely be able to play for “an hour” in the match scheduled for Sunday in Atlanta.
Yamal's teammate, Pau Cabarsi, expressed confidence in Yamal’s abilities, stating, “We already know Lamine’s qualities. Whether he comes on or not, he’ll help us as much as possible – but I think whoever plays in his place will do just as well.” This sentiment reflects the team's belief in their collective strength, even as they navigate the challenges of the tournament.
As the pre-tournament favorites, Spain entered the World Cup with high expectations. However, the team has faced difficulties in recent tournaments, having not advanced past the last 16 since winning the World Cup for the first time in 2010. The pressure is on for the European champions to perform better as they continue their campaign in Group H.
The upcoming match against Saudi Arabia will be crucial for Spain, not only to secure points but also to regain momentum after their disappointing start. With Yamal's potential return to a more significant role, fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see how the young talent can influence the outcome of the game.