Lamine Yamal is undoubtedly one of the most exciting prospects fans will be eyeing for the 2026 World Cup, however a serious hamstring issue has cast some doubt over the youngster. Will Lamine Yamal play in the World Cup?
Will Lamine Yamal play in the World Cup?
Barcelona announced on Thursday that the 18-year-old Spaniard will sit out for the remainder of the club season due to a left hamstring injury, but should be healthy for the World Cup.
The tests carried out have confirmed that first-team player Lamine Yamal has a hamstring injury in his left leg (biceps femoris muscle).
The player will follow a conservative treatment plan. Lamine Yamal will miss the remainder of the season, and he is expected to be available… pic.twitter.com/8UU4Bg9bDh— FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona) April 23, 2026
Whether he’ll be 100% healthy by the time the World Cup begins isn’t clear. The hamstring issue occurred during Barcelona’s 1-0 victory vs. Celta Vigo on Wednesday.
Yamal was taken down after a heavy collision in the penalty area. The Barcelona star stepped up to score the penalty, but went down clutching his left hamstring after the goal.
Lamine Yamal went down injured right after scoring a penalty. pic.twitter.com/NXDanKy9k2
— ESPN FC (@ESPNFC) April 22, 2026
Yamal was immediately substituted out of the game and went down the tunnel for treatment. Initial reports claimed that he’d torn his hamstring and his first-ever World Cup was in doubt.
Lamine Yamal's injury "looks like a torn hamstring" leaving the rest of his club season and the start of the World Cup in doubt, according to ESPN's Gemma Soler. pic.twitter.com/U9RegUJ0TN
— ESPN FC (@ESPNFC) April 22, 2026
Spain will be keeping fingers crossed that their young superstar will recover in time for soccer’s grand event this summer in the United States, Mexico and Canada.
Yamal has already produced a number of memorable moments for the national team including leading the team to Euro 2024 glory. THAT goal against France in the semifinal will long be remembered.
🌟 #EURO2024 Highlights 🌟
🪄⚽️ Lamine #Yamal in #ESPFRA. 🤩🥳@SEFutbol | @SpainIsFootball pic.twitter.com/bBkxNtbyJE— UEFA EURO (@EURO2024DE) July 21, 2024
Yamal has already accounted for 18 goal contributions (six goals, 12 assists) in just 25 appearances for the national team. Spain are heavy favorites to win the 2026 World Cup and will need Yamal in order to do so.
Spain’s first game of the 2026 World Cup is against Cape Verde on June 15 at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta.
