Lamine Yamal pulls out of Spain squad ahead of World Cup final as federation issues fitness update | Football News
Spain has moved to ease concerns about Lamine Yamal’s health ahead of Sunday’s 2026 FIFA World Cup final against Argentina after the teenage star trained separately from the main squad in the team’s first session in New Jersey.Pictures of Yamal working out individually while wearing what appeared to be a bandage on his left leg quickly went viral on the internet, prompting speculation about his availability for Spain’s biggest game of the tournament. However, the Royal Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) and head coach Luis de la Fuente both played down fears of any significant injury.
Spain insists there is no major concern
According to the RFEF, Yamal and right-back Pedro Porro are following individual training programs as part of a planned workload management schedule rather than due to any serious physical issue.“Both players are expected to be available for Sunday’s match,” said the federation, adding that the separate session is just a precautionary measure while preparations for the World Cup final continue.MARCA also reported that Spain remain confident that both players will be fit to face the defending champions.Porro managed a muscle strain after a knock during Spain’s 2-0 semi-final win over France, with De la Fuente confirming after the game that the defender was dealing with muscular discomfort.Yamal’s condition does not seem to be too worrisome.“He’s not,” De la Fuente said after the win over France, dismissing suggestions the Barcelona winger had suffered a significant injury despite receiving several heavy challenges in the semi-final.
Manage a busy tournament
Spain’s cautious approach reflects Yamal’s workload throughout the tournament.The 19-year-old arrives at the World Cup still building his fitness after recovering from a hamstring problem that hampered the closing stages of Barcelona’s season. That’s one of the reasons he started Spain’s opening group stage match against Cape Verde on the bench before gradually returning to a regular starting role.Although Yamal scored once during the tournament, finding the net against Saudi Arabia, much of his influence went beyond statistics.
Lamine Yamal (19) of Spain reacts after being fouled 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 often field extra defenders to limit his impact, with the winger often facing double teams and heavy physical attention. France adopted a similar approach in the semi-final, with full-backs Lucas Digne and Theo Hernandez repeatedly challenging him throughout the contest.
The last chance awaits
Spain head into Sunday’s showdown chasing a fourth World Cup title after beating France 2-0, a result that extended their unbeaten run to 37 games in all competitions and made them the first European nation to win eight consecutive knockout games at major international tournaments. Against Argentina, they will try to push those records to 38 games without defeat and nine consecutive knockout victories.Yamal is expected to remain central to Luis de la Fuente’s plans if declared fully fit.If he comes on against Argentina, the Barcelona striker will have the chance to cap off another incredible year by helping Spain lift the World Cup while facing off. Lionel Messi and the reigning champions in what promises to be the biggest match of his career to date.For now, the message in Spain remains consistent: Yamal’s individual training session is a precaution, and the expectation inside the camp is that he and Porro will be ready when the World Cup final starts on Sunday.
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