Spain's World Cup campaign kicks off in Atlanta against Cape Verde. All eyes, though, focus on one name missing from the starting eleven. Lamine Yamal, fully fit according to his manager, begins the tournament on the bench.
A Cautious Return After Months Out
Yamal's road back hasn't been smooth. The Barcelona winger hasn't featured since April, sidelined by persistent groin and hamstring issues. He even missed Spain's final warm-up friendly in Mexico last week, raising questions about his readiness.
Luis de la Fuente, though, sounds reassured. Speaking ahead of kickoff, he insisted Yamal trained fully and feels great. Starting him from minute one, however, carries risk. Rushing back a player this important rarely makes sense, especially in a tournament this long.
So, Ferran Torres steps in for him. He'll occupy the right wing, joining Nico Williams and Mikel Oyarzabal in attack. Pedri, meanwhile, takes control in midfield, a role he's filled brilliantly in recent matches. Behind them, Rodri anchors things, giving Spain their usual platform.
Defensively, Marc Cucurella starts at left-back, alongside Pau Cubarsi and Aymeric Laporte. Marcos Llorente completes the back four, with Unai Simon, as expected, between the posts. Continuity, clearly, matters to de la Fuente right now.
For Yamal, this isn't a snub. Instead, it's a calculated step. Coming off the bench allows him to build minutes gradually, without risking another setback. Given how the tournament unfolds over weeks, that patience could prove wise.
Spain's depth, frankly, makes this decision easier. Few squads could absorb missing an 18-year-old superstar and still field a side this strong. That depth, ultimately, is what makes Spain genuine contenders this summer.
Cape Verde Ready to Spring a Surprise
Cape Verde arrives with nothing to lose. Making their World Cup debut, they've already turned heads by eliminating Cameroon during qualifying. That result alone earned plenty of respect.
De la Fuente isn't taking them lightly, either. He described their setup as well-structured, praising their physicality and pace. Tactically disciplined sides, he warned, can cause problems for anyone.
Spain, naturally, remains heavy favorites. As reigning European champions and 2010 World Cup winners, expectations sit high in Atlanta. Still, de la Fuente expects a battle, win or lose.
As for Yamal, his introduction depends on how things unfold. If Spain need a spark, he's ready. For now, though, patience guides the plan, and Spain trust their depth to get the job done.
