Spain manager Luis de la Fuente has confirmed that Barcelona winger Lamine Yamal is fit for the 2026 FIFA World Cup final after recent concerns over the teenager’s condition that emerged following Spain’s semi-final victory over France.
With Spain set to face Lionel Messi’s Argentina in Sunday’s final, questions about Yamal’s fitness had emerged as a major topic leading up to the match.
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The Barcelona star sustained a heavy challenge during the semi-final, but De la Fuente has reassured fans that there are no issues regarding his availability as La Roja aims for its first World Cup title since 2010.
De la Fuente confirms Yamal is fit for World Cup final
Ahead of Spain’s final training sessions, De la Fuente emphasized that merely reaching the World Cup final is a notable achievement, while reiterating that his squad intends to finish the job against Argentina.
“It’s already a luxury, a privilege, to be in a final. I’d be happy to reach a final every time, even if we lost it.
“The important thing is to play in a final and, what’s more, to be able to fight to win it, using our own strengths and qualities, against a truly great opponent with a truly great track record.”
De la Fuente has provided an update on Lamine Yamal’s fitness. (Photo by Florencia Tan Jun/Getty Images)
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The Spain manager was subsequently asked about Yamal after the young player seemed to sustain a painful knock in the previous match.
In his update on the winger, De la Fuente stated,
“He’s fine, there are no problems with him. He took a heavy knock, but he coped with the match perfectly.
“We gave him a rest yesterday; today he’s been training with his teammates as normal.”
Spain boss rejects Messi comparisons
As Yamal prepares to face Messi in the most significant match of his young career, De la Fuente was also asked if the Barcelona teenager could be compared to the Argentine captain.
Luis de la Fuente has nothing but respect for Argentina and Scaloni. (Photo by Lars Baron/Getty Images)
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Rather than fostering those comparisons, the Spain coach maintained that Yamal should evolve in his unique way.
“Lamine has to be Lamine. Messi is a one-of-a-kind player and is having a spectacular World Cup. And Lamine also has spectacular potential.”
The Spain manager further dismissed claims that Argentina employs overly physical tactics, stating his deep respect for both the world champions and their coach, Lionel Scaloni.
“I respect all opinions, but no. I have great admiration for the national team.
“They’ve just made history and are managed by a friend of mine. Everyone will use their own footballing tactics, but this is a football match,” he concluded.