Why doesn’t Lamine Yamal start for Spain vs Cape Verde in FIFA World Cup 2026?

Spain will kick off their 2026 FIFA World Cup campaign in Group H against debutants Cape Verde at the Atlanta Stadium in Georgia on Monday.

Spain, reigning European champions, will be without teenage star Lamine Yamal in the starting line-up, who only recently returned fit after a groin injury suffered in April.

The 18-year-old Yamal is on the bench and will likely only get a few minutes in the second period, according to head coach Luis De La Fuente.

FIFA World Cup | Spain vs Cape Verde – LIVE blog

“The good news is that Lamine is very fit,” De la Fuente told reporters.

«He is following the established process and is in good shape. He is training very well, just like his other colleagues who had some kind of injury. They are all available and cannot play from the start of the match.»

“We will have to wait and see how the game progresses, and then we will make a decision on how they can contribute to the team.

“It’s a matter of logic, of how the game evolves, of the game situation.”

Unai Simon will be Spain’s starting goalkeeper ahead of David Raya, who was part of Arsenal’s Premier League-winning side.

Published on June 15, 2026