Spain manager Luis de la Fuente has confirmed that Lamine Yamal will not be in the starting lineup when La Roja take on Cape Verde in their 2026 World Cup fixture, opting instead to bring the teenager on from the bench.
The 18-year-old Barcelona winger has returned to full fitness after suffering a left hamstring injury on April 22, but the coaching staff are taking a measured approach to managing his return to competitive football.
De la Fuente on Yamal's condition
De la Fuente was upbeat about Yamal's physical state ahead of the match, insisting the winger is ready to contribute — just not for a full 90 minutes.
