Spanish footballer, winger for Athletic Bilbao
Spain headlines Group H with Lamine Yamal fit to come off the bench as the defending European champions prepare for Cape Verde. Colombia and Belgium sit in the mix with other title contenders, while opening matches begin in North America and across groups. The field features a mix of Europe and Middle East teams with a focus on young talents like Yamal and Suarez.
Nico Williams has been sidelined by a hamstring issue in a La Liga match for Athletic Bilbao, with his World Cup plans in doubt as Spaniard Dani Carvajal also contends with a bone fissure in his foot. Spain’s World Cup squad is set to be announced soon, intensifying scrutiny on fitness in the lead-up to the tournament.
Johnny Cardoso will undergo surgery on his right ankle after training injury, ruling him out of the US World Cup squad. His injury compounds midfield concerns as Tanner Tessmann and others face limited availability ahead of the tournament co-hosted by the US, Mexico and Canada. Mauricio Pochettino is set to name the 26-man roster on May 26.
Spain has named its 26-man squad for the 2026 World Cup, with Lamine Yamal as a star presence. For the first time since 1950, no Real Madrid player features as Dean Huijsen is injured and Dani Carvajal is left out. Mikel Merino has returned from injury, and Yamal faces a potential hamstring issue ahead of the tournament.
Spain head coach Luis de la Fuente is overseeing a squad built on youth and experience as uncertainty surrounds Lamine Yamal's fitness ahead of the World Cup opener. The team remains among the favorites, with Nico Williams and a strong midfield backing them, while Spanish football's development system is highlighted by the coach's background.
Cape Verde has held Spain to a 0-0 draw in its World Cup opener, with 40-year-old Vozinha delivering a standout performance that has captivated fans and viral momentum on social media. Spain pressured throughout, but Cape Verde’s defense and veteran goalkeeper kept the scoreline level.