Spain head coach Luis de la Fuente leaves teenage winger Lamine Yamal on the bench for Spain’s FIFA World Cup 2026 opener against Cape Verde in Atlanta. Multiple outlets report the decision as a “bold” or cautious call, and that Yamal is not included in Spain’s starting lineup, while he is available to be used from the bench. Reports also indicate that Nico Williams is likewise left out of the starting XI.
Several sources add context about Yamal’s fitness. Times of India reports that de la Fuente says Yamal is fully fit after recovering from a hamstring injury and that he has trained well; the coaching staff expects him could play some minutes if needed. Other coverage frames the move as a tactical or management decision for the first group match.
Overall, all accounts agree that Yamal is available as a substitute and is not expected to start against Cape Verde, with Spain preparing to use other players from the kickoff.
