Spain has named Lamine Yamal in their 2026 World Cup squad despite the winger currently being injured, as coach Luis de la Fuente released his final list on Monday.

The Barcelona star, widely regarded as one of Spain’s most important attacking talents, has been sidelined since late April with a hamstring injury and is considered a doubt for the opening matches of the tournament.

According to coach De la Fuente, the national team is working closely with club medical teams, and there is optimism that most players will be fit in time for either the first or second group games.

“We’re coordinating with the medical departments of all the clubs,” he said.

“The reports that we have say all the players will be ready for the first game or the second.”

Yamal is part of a squad dominated by Barcelona players, including Gavi, Pedri, Dani Olmo, and goalkeeper Joan Garcia, while Arsenal midfielder Mikel Merino also returns after recovering from a foot injury.

Merino recently made his comeback as a substitute in Arsenal’s final Premier League match against Crystal Palace after months out of action.

The squad also features Nico Williams, Rodri, David Raya, and Aymeric Laporte, among others, as Spain aim to build on their Euro 2024 success.

Notably, for the first time at a World Cup, no Real Madrid player was included in the Spain squad, with Dani Carvajal and Dean Huijsen left out due to injuries and selection decisions.

De la Fuente dismissed concerns about club bias, saying his focus is purely on national team performance.

The coach also expressed confidence in the unity of the squad, praising players for their emotional response to selection and their commitment to representing Spain.

Spain will open their World Cup campaign on June 15 against Cape Verde, followed by matches against Saudi Arabia and Uruguay in Group H.