Spain Makes Decision On FC Barcelona Star Lamine Yamal at World Cup

BusinessSportsMoneySpain Makes Decision On FC Barcelona Star Lamine Yamal at World CupByTom Sanderson,Senior Contributor.Forbes contributors publish independent expert analyses and insights. Tom Sanderson has been primarily based in Barcelona since 2019.Follow AuthorJun 10, 2026, 04:37am EDTSpain have made a decision on when Lamine Yamal will make his World Cup debut according to SPORT.NurPhoto via Getty ImagesSpain and its national team manager Luis de la Fuente have made a decision on how to handle Lamine Yamal's World Cup debut according to SPORT, which cited anonymous sources.Lamine was ruled out for the rest of FC Barcelona’s double-winning season after coming off at half time during a 1-0 win over Celta Vigo back in April.He hasn’t kicked a competitive ball since, and his progress through Spain’s World Cup squad camp has been one of the hottest stories in a football mad country over the last couple of months.De la Fuente has spoken on the topic numerous times, and as recently as an interview with The Guardian published at the weekend.“He’s recovering quickly, meeting all his objectives ahead of schedule. I think he’ll be able to play in the first match, but that doesn’t mean he will. We’ll assess whether he needs to play a little, not play at all, or wait until the second match,” De La Fuente stated.Now, according to SPORT, De La Fuente has decided that Lamine will make his debut in Spain’s opener against Cape Verde on Monday. He’ll not start, however, and instead be given 15 to 20 minutes in a fixture against opposition that has never featured in the FIFA showpiece before.MORE FOR YOULamine’s playing time will increase against Saudi Arabia on June 21. All being well, he’ll then be fit enough to perhaps start what is on paper the most difficult Group H clash for the European champions against Ronald Araujo’s Uruguay on June 26 in Guadalajara.FC Barcelona will be concerned by the news regarding Lamine YamalSPORT already reported how Barca are concerned by...