New Delhi, May 19 (H.S.): The Spain national football team have suffered a significant setback ahead of the start of the FIFA World Cup 2026, with star young forward Lamine Yamal ruled out of their opening match against Cape Verde on June 15 due to a hamstring injury. The information was reported by

The Athletic.

According to the report, Yamal has not yet fully recovered and remains doubtful even for Spain’s second group-stage match against Saudi Arabia on June 21.

The 18-year-old suffered the injury while playing for FC Barcelona against RC Celta de Vigo on April 22. He picked up a left hamstring injury while scoring from the penalty spot in that match, after which he was ruled out of the remaining club fixtures of the season.

In another major setback for Spain, Barcelona midfielder Fermín López is also expected to miss almost the entire tournament after suffering a right leg fracture. He sustained the injury during the first half of a match against Real Betis and will require surgery.

Spain will open their World Cup campaign on June 15 in Atlanta against Cape Verde, followed by a clash with Saudi Arabia on June 21 and Uruguay on June 26. The match against Uruguay will be played in Guadalajara, Mexico.

Currently ranked second in the latest FIFA men’s world rankings, Spain are set to announce their 26-man World Cup squad next Monday.

Lamine Yamal played a crucial role in Spain’s Euro 2024 triumph, helping the team secure the title with standout performances. He has scored six goals in 25 appearances for Spain. At club level, he registered 16 goals in 28 La Liga matches this season for Barcelona, and a total of 24 goals in 45 appearances across all competitions.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar