Spain national team head coach Luis de la Fuente said forward Lamine Yamal will miss a friendly match against Iraq in A Coruña.
The absence of Yamal is a critical point of concern for the Spanish squad as they finalize their preparations for the upcoming World Cup. As a key offensive talent, his fitness levels directly impact the team's tactical approach and scoring potential during the tournament.
De la Fuente addressed the situation on Wednesday, June 5, 2024, and said the player will not participate in the warm-up match scheduled for Thursday, June 6, 2024 [1]. The decision comes as the team manages a hamstring injury that Yamal sustained in April 2024 [3].
"Yamal will not play in Thursday's warm‑up match against Iraq in A Coruña, but all signs point to him being available for the World Cup opener," De la Fuente said.
The coach expressed confidence in the player's recovery process. "We are confident that Lamine will be fit for the World Cup opener after his hamstring issue," De la Fuente said.
While the friendly match serves as a final test for the roster, the coaching staff is prioritizing long-term health over immediate participation. De la Fuente said the team will consider every scenario, but the priority is to have Yamal ready for the tournament.
Spain is scheduled to play its first World Cup match on June 15, 2026 [2]. The medical staff continues to monitor the hamstring recovery to ensure the forward can return to full intensity without risking a relapse before the tournament begins.
“"Yamal will not play in Thursday's warm‑up match against Iraq in A Coruña, but all signs point to him being available for the World Cup opener."”
The decision to sideline Yamal for the Iraq friendly indicates a cautious approach to injury management. By prioritizing the World Cup opener on June 15, 2026, over a single exhibition match, Spain is attempting to mitigate the risk of a chronic hamstring relapse that could sideline the player for the entirety of the tournament.
