Will Lamine Yamal play World Cup 2026? What hamstring injury means for Barcelona, Spain star

While he will require some ramp-up to return from his injury and may not be fully fit for action right away at the start of the World Cup, he should be fit to carry Spain through most of the competition as long as he does not suffer a recurrence of the hamstring strain.

What is Lamine Yamal's injury?

Lamine Yamal has a hamstring injury in his left leg.

The Barcelona youngster injured himself scoring a penalty in the 1-0 win over Celta Vigo on April 22, immediately putting his hand up after converting from the spot to indicate he required treatment.

He was withdrawn in the 45th minute, just before halftime, while the game was in a delay due to a medical emergency in the stands.

Lamine Yamal Instagram post: Injury 'hurts more than I can say'

In an Instagram post on April 23, Lamine Yamal said: "This injury has sidelined me at the very moment I most wanted to be on the pitch, and it hurts more than I can say.

"It hurts not being able to fight alongside my teammates, not being able to help when the team needs me. But I believe in them and I know they'll give their all in every match.

"I'll be there, even though it's from the sidelines, supporting, cheering and pushing them on, like any other fan. This isn't the end, it's just a break. I'll come back stronger, more determined than ever, and next season will be even better."

When is Lamine Yamal back?

Given the length of time he is expected to miss and when he is thought likely to return, it is probable that he has suffered a Grade 2 hamstring strain, although Barca did not confirm the severity of the injury.

This level of strain usually comes with a recovery timeline of four to six weeks on the sideline.

Therefore, Lamine Yamal is likely to return to full fitness just as the Spain national team is set to convene for its pre-World Cup camp.

Most teams are set to contest one match in late May before traveling to the United States to play another in early June. Spain are confirmed to be playing a friendly against Peru at Estadio Cuauhtemoc in Puebla, Mexico, on June 8.

When is Spain's first World Cup game?

Spain were drawn into Group H, set to play their first game on Monday, June 12 against Cape Verde in Atlanta, Georgia.

They will then take on Saudi Arabia six days later, also in Atlanta, before traveling to Guadalajara, Mexico for their final game against Uruguay.

If Spain finish first in Group H, they will meet the second-place finisher from Group J (Argentina, Algeria, Austria, Jordan) on Thursday, June 2 for their first knockout-stage game. If they finish second, they will meet the first-place finisher from Group J on Friday, July 3.

MORE:Complete group schedule and bracket for 2026 World Cup

Spain group-stage schedule at 2026 FIFA World Cup