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

Spain’s World Cup hopes hang on the fitness of teenage sensation Lamine Yamal, with the medical team taking no risks over the Barcelona winger just days before Sunday’s 2026 final against Argentina in New Jersey.

The 16-year-old, who has starred throughout the tournament after returning from injury, was again placed on a cautious training programme on Thursday, working away from the main group alongside full-back Pedro Porro at Red Bull’s training complex in New York.

Spanish media report that both players are expected to be available for the showpiece at MetLife Stadium, where Spain will attempt to claim only the second World Cup title in their history.

Cautious approach with standout star

According to Spanish newspaper Sport, Spain’s coaching and medical staff have agreed on a conservative plan for Yamal because of the heavy workload he has shouldered across the competition.

The report says the staff have “preferred a cautious approach with Lamine Yamal before the 2026 World Cup final, given the great physical effort he has made throughout the tournament, while stressing that he is ready for the eagerly awaited clash with Argentina”.

Yamal began Thursday’s session with his team-mates but broke away during rondo possession drills to follow an individual routine.

He then moved to a separate mat, focusing on stretching exercises and a tailored programme designed to manage fatigue and ensure he peaks on Sunday. Throughout, his attention was said to be fixed entirely on the final in New Jersey.

Despite arriving at the World Cup shortly after recovering from injury, the winger has featured in every match for La Roja, playing a pivotal role in their run to the final and expending significant energy in both attacking and defensive phases.

With signs of accumulated fatigue, Spain’s federation doctors are understood to be working “with extreme caution” and are determined to avoid any unnecessary risk with the teenager.

Porro also managed but expected to play

Pedro Porro, named man of the match in the semi-final victory over France, is being handled with the same level of care.

The Tottenham defender is suffering from tightness in his hamstring muscles but, according to the report, his condition is not considered serious and he is also expected to be available to face Argentina.

The technical staff are said to be particularly reluctant to gamble on a player in such strong form, preferring to manage his workload in the days leading up to the final rather than push him through full-intensity sessions.

Head coach Luis de la Fuente was seen speaking calmly and individually with both Yamal and Porro before turning his attention to the remaining 24 members of the squad for the rest of the workout.

Training tailored for recovery

Thursday’s session was largely geared towards recovery following the physical and emotional demands of the semi-final against France.

Players who did not feature, or played limited minutes, took part in more intensive drills to maintain sharpness and match rhythm.

Those who started the France match were restricted to lighter exercises, with the emphasis on regeneration rather than building fitness.

Inside the camp, Yamal is described as highly motivated and determined to crown his breakthrough tournament with the sport’s biggest prize. The report underlines that he “enjoys great enthusiasm and a strong desire to win the World Cup”.

Spain, champions in 2010, now stand one match away from a second global crown, while Argentina – led by Lionel Messi – are aiming to add another title after their 2022 triumph.

With both Yamal and Porro central to Spain’s tactical plans on the flanks, their managed return to full training will be watched closely in the final hours before one of the most anticipated World Cup finals in recent memory.