Lamine Yamal separated from Spain squad ahead of World Cup final as federation issues update on fitness | Football News
Spain have moved to ease concerns surrounding Lamine Yamal’s fitness ahead of Sunday’s 2026 FIFA World Cup final against Argentina after the teenage star trained separately from the main squad during the team’s first session in New Jersey.Images of Yamal working individually while wearing what appeared to be a bandage on his left thigh quickly circulated online, prompting speculation over his availability for the biggest match of Spain’s tournament. However, the Royal Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) and head coach Luis de la Fuente have both played down fears of any significant injury.
Spain insist there is no major concern
According to the RFEF, both Yamal and right-back Pedro Porro followed individual training programmes as part of a planned workload management schedule rather than because of any serious physical issue.“Both players are expected to be available for Sunday’s match,” the federation said, adding that the separate session was purely a precautionary measure as preparations continue for the World Cup final.MARCA also reported that Spain remain confident both players will be fit to face the defending champions.Porro has been managing muscle overload after picking up a knock during Spain’s 2-0 semi-final victory over France, with De la Fuente confirming after that match that the defender had been dealing with muscular discomfort.Yamal’s situation appears less concerning.“He has nothing,” De la Fuente said after the victory over France, dismissing suggestions that the Barcelona winger had suffered a significant injury despite receiving several heavy challenges during the semi-final.
Managing a busy tournament
Spain’s cautious approach reflects Yamal’s workload throughout the tournament.The 19-year-old arrived at the World Cup still building his fitness after recovering from the hamstring problem that disrupted the closing stages of Barcelona’s season. That was one of the reasons he began Spain’s opening group-stage match against Cape Verde on the bench before gradually returning to a regular starting role.Although Yamal has scored once during the tournament, finding the net against Saudi Arabia, much of his influence has extended beyond statistics.
Spain’s Lamine Yamal (19) reacts after a foul during the World Cup semifinal soccer match between France and Spain in Arlington, Texas, near Dallas, Tuesday, July 14, 2026. (AP Photo/Tony Gutierrez)
Opponents have consistently committed additional defenders to limiting his impact, with the winger regularly facing double teams and heavy physical attention. France adopted a similar approach in the semi-final, where full-backs Lucas Digne and Theo Hernandez repeatedly challenged him throughout the contest.
Final opportunity awaits
Spain head into Sunday’s showdown chasing a fourth World Cup title after defeating France 2-0, a result that extended their unbeaten run to 37 matches across all competitions and made them the first European nation to win eight consecutive knockout matches at major international tournaments. Against Argentina, they will now be aiming to push those records even further to 38 matches unbeaten and nine straight knockout victories.Yamal is expected to remain a central figure in Luis de la Fuente’s plans if declared fully fit.Should he feature against Argentina, the Barcelona forward will have the opportunity to cap another remarkable year by helping Spain lift the World Cup while facing Lionel Messi and the reigning champions in what promises to be the biggest match of his career to date.For now, Spain’s message remains consistent: Yamal’s individual training session was precautionary, and the expectation inside the camp is that both he and Porro will be ready when the World Cup final kicks off on Sunday.
