Spain have changed concerns about Lamine Yamal for Saturday’s FIFA World Cup 2026 final against Argentina after the young star was trained differently from the main squad during the team’s first leg in New Jersey.Photos of Yamal working out on his own while wearing what appeared to be a bandage on his left thigh quickly went viral online, prompting speculation about his presence at the Spanish league’s biggest game. However, the Royal Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) and head coach Luis de la Fuente have both dismissed any injury fears.
Spain is sure that there is no serious problem
According to the RFEF, both Yamal and right-back Pedro Porro follow individual training programs as part of a professional management plan rather than having any physical problems.“Both players are expected to be present for Sunday’s game,” the organization said, adding that the special phase was a precautionary measure in preparation for the World Cup finals.MARCA also reported that Spain were confident that all players would be ready to face the defenders.Porro has been recovering from a knock in Spain’s 2-0 semi-final win over France, with De la Fuente confirming after the game that the defender had a neurological problem.Yamal’s condition appears to be less severe.“He has nothing,” said De la Fuente after the win in France, rejecting suggestions that the Barcelona winger was seriously injured despite suffering a series of problems in the semi-final.
Managing busy competition
Spain’s caution reflects Yamal’s work throughout the game.The 19-year-old arrived at the World Cup still recovering from the hamstring problem that marred Barcelona’s close season. This was one of the reasons why he started Spain’s opening game against Cape Verde on the bench before returning to the regular starting lineup.Although Yamal only had one shot in the game, finding the back of the net against Saudi Arabia, most of his power has gone beyond statistics.
Spain’s Lamine Yamal (19) scores during the World Cup soccer match between France and Spain in Arlington, Texas, near Dallas, Tuesday, July 14, 2026. (AP Photo/Tony Gutierrez)
Opponents will always provide extra defenders to reduce his impact, the winner will always face double teams and be taken care of a lot. France adopted a similar approach in the semi-final, with defenders Lucas Digne and Theo Hernandez challenging him repeatedly in the contest.
The last chance awaits
Spain enter Sunday’s game chasing a fourth World Cup after beating France 2-0, a result that extended their unbeaten run to 37 in all competitions and made them the first European nation to win eight consecutive matches at a major international tournament. Against Argentina, they will be looking to extend this record to 38 matches without defeat and nine consecutive victories.Yamal is expected to remain central to Luis de la Fuente’s plans if he is declared fit.If he can face Argentina, the Barcelona player will have the chance to complete another amazing year by helping Spain lift the World Cup as they face each other. Lionel Messi is the dominant force in what promises to be the biggest game of his career to date.Meanwhile, the message from Spain remains consistent: Yamal’s personal training has been careful, and the hope inside the camp is that he and Porro will be ready when the World Cup finals start on Sunday.