Lamine Yamal is training again. The 18-year-old Barcelona forward has rejoined Spain’s national team setup in the United States ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, less than two months after a hamstring injury threatened to derail his tournament hopes entirely.
Yamal suffered a left hamstring tear on April 22 during a penalty kick against Celta Vigo, an injury initially expected to sideline him for six to eight weeks. The World Cup opener against Cape Verde is June 15.
The comeback plan
As of early June, Yamal has begun integrated training sessions with the Spanish squad in the US, though he’s still working separately from the main group.
Barcelona has laid out a cautious blueprint for his World Cup involvement. Against Cape Verde in the group-stage opener on June 15, his playing time would be capped at 15 to 20 minutes, depending on how his body responds. If that goes smoothly, his minutes could ramp up to 45-60 against Saudi Arabia in the second match. And if everything stays on track, a potential start against Uruguay on June 26 is on the table.
