Yamal fit to face Cape Verde
Lamine Yamal is in "perfect condition" to play Spain's opening World Cup match against Cape Verde, La Roja manager Luis de la Fuente confirmed.
The Barcelona winger missed the conclusion of the 2025-2026 season after sustaining a hamstring injury in April, and has subsequently been in a race to be fit for the finals.
Spain, whuch has also been sweating on the fitness of Nico Williams, is aiming to become only the fourth nation to hold the European Championship and World Cup crowns respectively, after its continental triumph in Germany two years ago.
La Roja, however, must improve their recent World Cup record, with their 2010 success followed by a group-stage exit and back-to-back last-16 defeats via penalty shoot-outs.
Nevertheless, its hopes will be raised by the fact Yamal will feature against Cape Verde, albeit his minutes will be carefully managed.
"The good news is that Lamine is in perfect condition," De la Fuente told reporters during his pre-match press conference.
"He's arrived at this point in the state in which we wanted him to be. He's fine, just like Nico [Williams] and Victor [Munoz]. They're all available, although some won't play the entire game.
"The doctors say Lamine can play tomorrow without any issues. Not to play 90 minutes, but to play some minutes, yes. The process [with Williams] is similar.
"They've been working together a lot of days, a lot of hours, and with the relationship they have, they've been happy. They could play, if we think the game demands it."
De la Fuente also addressed reports suggesting Marc Cucurella is close to completing a move from Chelsea to Real Madrid.
La Roja's boss does not think the situation will affect the performance levels of the defender, who he described as "one of the best left-backs in the world".
"If it's good news for Cucu, or someone else, we'll celebrate it," De la Fuente added. "I don't talk about clubs, but if you ask me about Cucurella for the national team, he's convincing.
"He's been with us since he was 17. I know his performance, the quality and potential he has. He might be one of the best left-backs in the world, without doubt."
