Why is Lamine Yamal starting benched for Spain vs Cape Verde in FIFA World Cup 2026?

Lamine Yamal is coming off an injury.

Spain have announced their lineup for their FIFA World Cup 2026 opening game against Cape Verde. While the team looks strong, Lamine Yamal and Nico Williams are missing from the starting line-up, with Gavi and Ferren Torras named at their positions.

Lamine Yamal was selected for Spain’s 26-man playing XI despite not being fully fit. The Barcelona attacker later returned to full team training at the team’s base in Chattanooga, Tennessee, on Thursday.

According to multiple reports, the 19-year-old was likely to play a part in this game. However, Luis de la Fuente might not field him in the starting line-up. As a result, Ferran Torres, Mikel Oyarzabal, and Gavi will be starting as La Roja’s attacking trio against Cape Verde.

However, what is the real reason Lamine Yamal started Spain’s opening World Cup clash from the bench?

Also Read: Who will referee Spain vs Cape Verde FIFA World Cup 2026 match?

Why is Lamine Yamal on the bench against Cape Verde?

Spain head coach Luis de la Fuente has revealed that Lamine Yamal is not injured and has fully recovered from his recent fitness issue. There is no official answer to the question of why the La Roja boss decided not to give the 18-year-old the green light into the starting line-up.

However, his omission from the starting line-up could be due to the team’s precautions. Yamal is a star player for the team and played a crucial role in the side’s triumph at the 2024 European Championships.

Thus, La Roja would want the 18-year-old to avoid the risk of an unwanted injury. Meanwhile, according to a few reports, Yamal isn’t fully fit, despite the Spanish camp’s claims. This strengthens the claim of precaution.

However, fans could still expect the Barcelona star to get a few minutes in the second half against Cape Verde if things go as per la Roja’s plan.

Spain have a manageable draw in the group stage, having been drawn alongside Cape Verde, Saudi Arabia and Uruguay. Thus, bigger matches await La Roja, where they will require the support of Lamine Yamal.

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