Spain have moved to ease concerns surrounding Lamine Yamal’s fitness ahead of Sunday’s 2026 FIFA World Cup final against Argentina after the teenage star trained separately from the main squad during the team’s first session in New Jersey.Images of Yamal working out individually while wearing what appeared to be a bandage on his left thigh quickly circulated online, prompting speculation about his availability for Spain’s biggest game of the tournament. However, the Real Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) and coach Luis de la Fuente played down fears of any significant injury.
Spain insists there is no major concern
According to the RFEF, both Yamal and right-back Pedro Porro have been following individual training programs as part of a planned workload management program rather than because of any serious physical problem.“Both players are expected to be available for Sunday’s match,” the federation said, adding that the separate session was purely a precautionary measure as preparations continue for the World Cup final.MARCA also said that Spain remain confident that both players will be fit to face the defending champions.Porro managed muscle strain after picking up a knock during Spain’s 2-0 semi-final win over France, with De la Fuente confirming after that match that the defender had been dealing with muscle discomfort.Yamal’s situation seems less worrying.“He has nothing,” De la Fuente said after the win over France, dismissing suggestions the Barcelona winger had suffered a significant injury despite receiving several heavy challenges during the semi-final.
Running a busy tournament
Spain’s cautious approach reflects Yamal’s workload throughout the tournament.The 19-year-old arrived at the World Cup still building his fitness after recovering from the hamstring problem that disrupted Barcelona’s late season. It was one of the reasons he started Spain’s group stage match against Cape Verde on the bench before gradually returning to a regular starting role.Although Yamal scored once during the tournament, finding the net against Saudi Arabia, much of his influence extended beyond statistics.
Spain’s Lamine Yamal (19) reacts after a foul during the World Cup semifinal soccer match between France and Spain in Arlington, Texas, near Dallas, Tuesday, July 14, 2026. (AP Photo/Tony Gutierrez)
Opponents have always committed additional defenders to limit his impact, with the wing regularly facing double teams and strong physical attention. France adopted a similar approach in the semi-final, where defenders Lucas Digne and Theo Hernandez repeatedly challenged them throughout the contest.
The last opportunity awaits
Spain head into Sunday’s challenge in pursuit of a fourth World Cup title after defeating France 2-0, a result that extended their unbeaten run to 37 matches in all competitions and made them the first European nation to win eight consecutive knockout matches at major international tournaments. Against Argentina, they will now aim to push those records even further to 38 matches unbeaten and nine straight knockout wins.Yamal is expected to remain a central figure in the plans of Luis de la Fuente if declared fully fit.If he features against Argentina, the Barcelona striker will have the chance to cap off another extraordinary year by helping Spain lift the World Cup as they face off. Lionel Messi and the reigning champions in what promises to be the biggest match of their careers to date.For now, Spain’s message remains consistent: Yamal’s individual training session has been precautionary, and the expectation in the camp is that he and Porro will be ready when the World Cup finals begin on Sunday.