Spain head coach Luis de la Fuente confirmed that forwards Lamine Yamal and Nico Williams are likely to recover from injury in time for the team's World Cup opener against Cape Verde.
Both players missed the end of the club season due to hamstring injuries, but De la Fuente included them in the World Cup squad. Last month, he expressed hope that the duo would be in top shape for the global football showcase.
Spain, the defending European champions, begin their Group H campaign on June 15 against Cape Verde in Atlanta. They will then face Saudi Arabia (June 21, Atlanta) and Uruguay (June 27, Guadalajara).
Speaking before a friendly against Iraq, De la Fuente said: "We are working closely with the clubs, continuing the program that was already set up from before. The players are progressing day by day."
The coach noted that the injured players are "progressing as expected," but they will not feature in the friendly against Iraq in A Coruna.
Speaking specifically about teenage star Yamal, De la Fuente stressed: "If everything continues as it is, he could be ready by June 15, but that doesn't guarantee he will play."
Spain are considered one of the favorites to win the 2026 World Cup, which is being held across Canada, Mexico, and the United States. However, De la Fuente said this year's tournament will be "historic because it is the World Cup with the most teams having a real chance of winning."
The 2026 World Cup kicks off on June 11. Readers can follow all the latest news, match schedules, standings, and live coverage on Al Jazeera's World Cup 2026 page.
