Spain coach Luis de la Fuente said Lamine Yamal, Nico Williams and Victor Munoz are all likely to feature in the team's World Cup 2026 opener against Cape Verde on June 15.
Yamal, 18, has been struggling with a groin injury and a hamstring issue since April, while Williams and Munoz are also in recovery. All three stayed at the training base in Chattanooga, Tennessee, on Sunday for further rehabilitation instead of traveling with the squad to Puebla for the final friendly against Peru.
"If there are no complications in the coming days, we expect them to be ready on June 15," De la Fuente told reporters. "I think all three can play."
Asked whether they could start against Cape Verde, De la Fuente was more cautious: "All three are progressing as expected to reach peak fitness by June 15. The key is that those timelines are being met and will continue to be met, so they can be with us and be available for selection at some point during the match."
Spain will face Peru in Puebla before traveling to Atlanta for the World Cup opener. De la Fuente stressed the team is not underestimating the opponent: "For us, this match is very important. We are not approaching it as just a friendly."
Spain arrives at the World Cup as one of the top contenders after winning Euro 2024. Forward Yeremy Pino said the team embraces the pressure: "Being considered a favorite is normal. We have had very successful years and are proud of that. Pressure should not make us play worse; it will help us improve and play better."
