FIFA World Cup 2026: Spain boss De la Fuente confident injured trio will be fit for debut
Madrid, June 8
Spain coach Luis de la Fuente remains confident that the injured trio of Lamine Yamal, Nico Williams, and Victor Munoz will be fit in time to start his side's FIFA World Cup 2026 campaign.
De la Fuente was speaking to the press ahead of his side's friendly against Peru in the Mexican city of Puebla, which is the final chance to make adjustments ahead of his side's World Cup opener against Cabo Verde in Atlanta on June 15, reports Xinhua.
De la Fuente left Williams, Munoz, and Yamal at Spain's base in Chattanooga to continue their return to fitness, but insisted they were "meeting their recovery deadlines."
"They were scheduled to do more specific work these next few days, and if they continue progressing this way, I think they'll be available [against Cabo Verde]," he said.
Yamal and Williams have hamstring problems, while Munoz has a calf strain. "Each one had their own process. Lamine's injury was different, as was its duration. But the most important thing is that, within the expected timeframe, he's currently fit to be included in the squad," De la Fuente insisted.
Yamal, Williams, and Munoz all play on the wing, but even if they aren't fit for the opening game, De la Fuente said he had players in the squad who could provide cover.
"We have other options. There are different styles, and we'll see how the week goes," the coach said, adding that the Peru game would see him field a more recognisable team than the one that drew 1-1 with Iraq last Thursday.
"I have a plan for how to start the World Cup if there are no adverse circumstances. Football can always surprise you, but I won't reveal the lineup," he concluded.
The Spain national team reached the United States on Saturday to continue with its preparations for the FIFA World Cup 2026 finals, with a few questions still to be answered -- especially the one hanging in the balance of the fate of the injured trio.
Spain flew in from Santiago de Compostela (northern Spain) to Nashville after Thursday's 1-1 draw against Iraq, and from Nashville, the squad travelled to Baylor School in Chattanooga, which will be its base for the tournament.
— IANS
Reader Comments
As an American living in Mumbai, I find it amusing how much drama surrounds these injuries. De la Fuente seems overly optimistic to me. Hamstring injuries are tricky - Yamal and Williams might not be 100% even if they play. Spain should prepare a backup plan. But hey, who am I to question a World Cup-winning coach? 🤷♂️
Very strategic of De la Fuente to not reveal lineup - but this is classic Spanish management. We Indians know a thing or two about managing injuries in cricket; hope the Spanish medical team is equally competent. Wishing the trio a speedy recovery! 🇪🇸🩺
I don't care about Spain's problems; I just want India to qualify for the World Cup someday! This is like listening to my friend discuss his luxury car when I can't even afford a scooter. 😔 But seriously, Yamal is a generational talent - hope he recovers well. Cabo Verde match will be interesting.
Classic De la Fuente - always the optimist. But I think he's being too casual about these injuries. Hamstring problems can ruin a player's tournament. Remember what happened to Neymar in 2014? Spain should be more cautious. That said, their depth is incredible - even without these three, they have Olmo, Torres, and Asensio. No need to risk Yamal. 🎯
I'm surprised they're staying in Chattanooga - such a random place! But I guess it's quieter than big cities. The Peru friendly
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