Lamine Yamal has cut himself from Spain’s squad ahead of the World Cup finals as federation issues update fitness

Lamine Yamal’s solo training raises fears for World Cup finals as Spain issue update / Image: X Spain have moved to ease concerns over Lamine Yamal’s fitness ahead of Sunday’s 2026 World Cup final against Argentina after the teenage star trained separately from the main squad during the team’s first training session in New Jersey.Images of Yamal working on his own while wearing what appeared to be a bandage on his left thigh quickly spread online and sparked speculation about his availability for Spain’s biggest game of the tournament. However, both the Royal Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) and head coach Luis de la Fuente played down fears of any serious injury.

Spain insists there are no major concerns

According to the RFEF, both Yamal and right-back Pedro Porro underwent individual training programs as part of a planned workload management plan rather than due to any serious physical problem.“Both players are expected to be available for Sunday’s match,” the federation said, adding that the separate session was purely a precautionary measure as preparations for the World Cup finals continue.MARCA also reported that Spain remain confident that both players will be ready to face the defending champions.Porro was dealing with a muscle strain after picking up a knock during Spain’s 2-0 semi-final win over France, with De la Fuente confirming after the game that the defender was struggling with muscle discomfort.Yamal’s situation appears to be less worrisome.“He’s got nothing,” De la Fuente said after the win over France, dismissing suggestions the Barcelona winger had suffered a serious injury despite picking up some tough tackles during the semi-final.

Managing a busy tournament

Spain’s cautious approach reflects Yamal’s workload throughout the tournament.The 19-year-old arrived at the World Cup still building his fitness after recovering from the hamstring problem that marred the closing stages of Barcelona’s season. This was one of the reasons why he started Spain’s opening group stage match against Cape Verde on the bench before gradually returning to a regular starting role.Although Yamal scored once during the tournament, finding the net against Saudi Arabia, much of his impact went beyond statistics.

Spain’s Lamine Yamal (19) reacts after being fouled during the World Cup semifinal soccer match between France and Spain in Arlington, Texas, near Dallas, Tuesday, July 14, 2026. (AP Photo/Tony Gutierrez)

Opponents have consistently committed other defenders to limit his impact, with the winger regularly facing double teams and a lot of physical attention. France adopted a similar approach in the semi-final where full-backs Lucas Digne and Theo Hernandez challenged him repeatedly throughout the match.

Waiting for the last chance

Spain head into Sunday’s showdown chasing a fourth World Cup title after beating France 2-0, a result that extended their unbeaten run to 37 matches in all competitions and made them the first European nation to win eight consecutive knockout games at major international tournaments. Against Argentina, they will now look to take those records even further to 38 games unbeaten and nine straight knockout victories.Yamal is expected to remain central to Luis de la Fuente’s plans if he is declared fully fit.Should he start against Argentina, the Barcelona striker will have the opportunity to cap off another remarkable year by helping Spain lift the World Cup as he faces Lionel Messi and the reigning champions in what promises to be the biggest game of his career to date.For now, Spain’s message remains consistent: Yamal’s individual training has been precautionary and the camp expects both he and Porro to be ready when the World Cup finals begin on Sunday.