Spain have moved swiftly to calm concerns over Lamine Yamal’s fitness ahead of Sunday’s 2026 FIFA World Cup final against Argentina, after the teenager trained separately from the main squad during their
first session in New Jersey. Images of Yamal working on his own, with what looked like a bandage on his left thigh, quickly spread online and sparked doubts about his availability for the showpiece clash.
However, both the Royal Spanish Football Federation and head coach Luis de la Fuente have dismissed fears of any serious issue. Spain have maintained there is no major concern, explaining that Yamal and right-back Pedro Porro were following individual training programmes as part of planned workload management, rather than due to injury.
“Both players are expected to be available for Sunday’s match,” the federation said, clarifying that the separate session was purely precautionary as preparations continue for the final.
Spanish outlet MARCA also reported that the team remains confident both players will be fit to face the defending champions. Porro has been dealing with muscle overload after picking up a knock in Spain’s 2-0 semi-final win over France, with De la Fuente confirming post-match that the defender had been managing muscular discomfort.
Yamal’s situation, meanwhile, appears far less worrying.
“He has nothing,” De la Fuente said after the victory over France, brushing aside suggestions of any significant injury despite the winger enduring several heavy challenges.
Spain’s cautious handling of Yamal also reflects the heavy demands placed on him during the tournament. The 19-year-old entered the World Cup still regaining full fitness after a hamstring problem disrupted the final phase of his season with FC Barcelona. As a result, he started on the bench in Spain’s opening group-stage game against Cape Verde before gradually returning to the starting lineup.
While Yamal has scored once in the tournament — against Saudi Arabia — his impact has extended well beyond goals, underlining his growing influence in Spain’s run to the final.
