Spain sweat on Lamine Yamal fitness as World Cup final against Argentina looms

Spain are facing an anxious wait over the fitness of teenage star Lamine Yamal just days before their 2026 World Cup final showdown with Argentina in the United States, Canada and Mexico.

The 16-year-old winger, widely regarded as Spain’s standout player at the tournament, missed full training with the national team on Thursday and was seen with a bandage on his left thigh, according to Spanish newspaper AS.

The development has sparked widespread concern among Spanish supporters, who fear their most influential attacking talent could be carrying an injury less than 72 hours before Sunday’s final.

AS reported that Yamal was absent from the main group session as Spain continued preparations for the decider, raising immediate questions about his physical condition and readiness to face Lionel Messi’s Argentina.

Reassurances from Spanish camp

Despite the growing alarm among fans, Spanish journalist Alfredo Martinez moved to calm nerves by insisting that Yamal is expected to be available for the match as normal.

وعلى الرغم من ان الصحفي الاسباني الفريدو مارتينيز اكد على مشاركة يامال في المباراة النهايية بشكل طبيعي، فان الجماهير الاسبانية لا تزال في ريبة من امرها بخصوص موقف نجمها الاول.

His comments suggest that the decision to lighten Yamal’s workload in training may be precautionary, a common measure taken by coaching and medical staff in the days leading up to a major final.

However, images and reports of the youngster with a bandage on his thigh have done little to ease the sense of unease among supporters, who have watched him become central to Spain’s run at this World Cup.

Rising star at the heart of Spain’s hopes

Yamal has been a defining figure of Spain’s campaign, providing creativity, pace and unpredictability on the flank and emerging as one of the breakthrough stars of the 2026 tournament.

His availability is considered crucial for Spain’s chances against an Argentina side led by Messi and packed with experience in high-pressure matches. Any suggestion that he might be less than fully fit is viewed as a significant concern for coach and fans alike.

Spanish media have described the mood around the national team as a “nightmare” scenario for supporters, who had been dreaming of seeing their young prodigy spearhead the country’s bid for a world title on North American soil.

Spain hold their breath before facing Argentina

With only three days remaining before kick-off, the focus in Spain is now split between tactical preparations for Argentina and constant monitoring of Yamal’s condition.

Medical staff are expected to continue assessing the winger in the coming hours, with any further absence from training likely to intensify speculation over his readiness for the final.

For now, official indications from within the Spanish camp point towards optimism that he will feature. But until Yamal is seen taking a full part in training, a cloud of uncertainty is set to hang over Spain’s build-up to their biggest match in over a decade.