Spain’s Lamine Yamal to Miss World Cup Opener Due to Hamstring Injury

Forward Lamine Yamal will not participate in Spain’s World Cup opener against Cape Verde on June 15 in Atlanta due to a hamstring injury, as reported by The Athletic on Monday.

In a more serious turn of events, Yamal’s FC Barcelona teammate Fermin Lopez has been effectively ruled out for the entire World Cup due to a right foot fracture that requires surgery. Lopez sustained the injury during the first half of Spain’s victory over Real Betis on Sunday.

Yamal suffered a torn left hamstring in an April 22 match against Celta Vigo and was subsequently sidelined for the remainder of FC Barcelona’s season after scoring a penalty kick during that game.

The 18-year-old Yamal had initially been expected to join the World Cup squad, but he is also doubtful for Spain’s second Group H match against Saudi Arabia on June 21 in Atlanta.

Spain’s final match in Group H is scheduled for June 26 against Uruguay in Guadalajara, Mexico.

Ranked No. 2 in FIFA’s latest men’s world rankings, Spain is set to announce its 26-player World Cup roster next Monday.

Spain’s recent success in UEFA Euro 2024 featured significant contributions from Yamal, who at the age of 16 proved to be an exceptional playmaker and scorer. He has netted six goals across 25 appearances for the Spanish national team.

In the La Liga season with Barcelona, Yamal scored 16 goals in 28 matches and has amassed 24 goals in 45 games across all competitions.