Lamine Yamal and Nico Williams are both not part of Spain's starting XI for their opening game in the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which is taking place on Monday
(June 15) at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium (Atlanta Stadium) in Atlanta. The wingers were key to the Luis de la Fuente-managed side's victory in the 2024 Euros, but both are on the bench in today's game. The reason behind their absence is that both players are not to fit to start and play a full 90 minutes. Both players suffered hamstring injuries at the end of the domestic season for Barcelona and Atletico Bilbao. The star wingers missed both of Spain's pre-tournament friendlies against Iraq and Peru. However, both are expected to come on from the bench in the second half. Fuente claimed in the pre-match press conference that the duo are in a similar stage in their recovery. “Let me decide who starts. Lamine is in perfect condition. He makes it to the (first game) in the physical condition we expected him to. He has trained excellently and we have all players available.“We are following all the medical recommendations we have, from the national team and also from the clubs. Everyone can confirm Lamine is ready to be a part of the team tomorrow. Then, football can go in many different directions He is not in a position to play the full 90 minutes, but he can participate if we feel it’s needed," said Fuente on Yamal. He is in the same situation as Yamal. They have gone through a similar recovery process, and actually spent a lot of time together," Feune added on Williams. Spain starting lineup: Unai Simón; Marcos Llorente, Pau Cubarsí, Aymeric Laporte, Marc Cucurella; Pedri, Rodri, Fabián Ruiz; Ferran Torres, Mikel Oyarzabal, Gavi Spain substitutes: Álex Baena, Joan García, Yéremy Pino, Dani Olmo, Víctor Muñoz, Mikel Merino, Borja Iglesias, Nico Williams, Pedro Porro, David Raya, Alejandro Grimaldo, Martín Zubimendi, Eric García, Marc Pubill, Lamine Yamal Cabo Verde starting lineup: Vozinha; Steven Moreira, Pico Lopes, Diney Borges, Sidny Cabral; Kevin Pina, Laros Duarte; Ryan Mendes, Jamiro Monteiro, Jovane Cabral; Dailon Livramente Cabo Verde substitutes: CJ dos Santos, Garry Rodrigues, Telmo Arcanjo, Willy Semedo, Márcio Rosa, Logan Costa, Stopira, Kelvin Pires, João Paulo, Hélio Varela, Wagner Pina, Nuno da Costa, Gilson Benchimol, Deroy Duarte, Yannick Semedo.
