Spain’s rising star, Lamine Yamal, has revealed that he went through moments of anxiety after suffering a left thigh injury, fearing that he could miss the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
The FC Barcelona talent was injured on April 22 during a Spanish league match and admitted that he initially feared the problem could be more serious than first expected.
“Deep down, I was praying that it wasn’t anything serious, that it was just a cramp or something similar. I could see the World Cup getting closer, and I knew that injuries like that can keep you off the pitch for a long time,” Yamal told Spanish media.
Despite his initial concerns, the 18-year-old has been included in coach Luis de la Fuente’s squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which will be held in the countries of United States, Canada, and Mexico from June 11 to July 19.
Spain national football team will begin their campaign on June 15 against Cape Verde, before facing Saudi Arabia and Uruguay in the group stage.
Yamal joined his teammates during the national team’s first training session, although he continues to follow a special recovery program.
For the Barcelona youngster, this will be the first World Cup of his career, and he did not hide his biggest ambition.
“The World Cup is the most important event in football. I’ve dreamed hundreds of times about winning this trophy, and I hope that one day I can make that dream come true,” said Yamal.
