ATLANTA, GEORGIA - JUNE 15: Lamine Yamal #19 of Spain looks on before the FIFA World Cup 2026 Group H match between Spain and Cabo Verde at Atlanta Stadium on June 15, 2026 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Florencia Tan Jun/Getty Images)
Lamine Yamal has offered a fitness update ahead of Spain’s second game of World Cup 2026 against Saudi Arabia and admits he’s not ready to play 90 minutes yet.
The Barcelona teenager made his long-awaited return from injury against Cape Verde in Spain’s opener as a second-half substitute.
There’s been speculation that Spain boss Luis de la Fuente could start Yamal against Saudi Arabia as the medical staff feel he’s ready to play 45 minutes.
Yamal has now shared his thoughs on the situation.
“I am fine, I feel good but it is very soon, it is unnecessary, I have an adaptation process, it is not the time to play a whole match, but I can play the minutes that the coach wants,” he said in an interview on RTVE.
Yamal also says Spain have to beat Saudi Arabia after their underwhelming start to the tournament.
“There was a fuss about a draw, and in the end, many teams have drawn; it doesn’t mean anything,” he added.
“For me, winning 6-0 in the first match is pointless. Obviously, we have to win on Sunday because we’re among the favorites, and we have to win.”
Sunday’s game takes place in Atlanta, with Uruguay facing Cape Verde in the other game in the group.