By Ayomide Otitoju
Spain head coach Luis de la Fuente has confirmed that Barcelona winger Lamine Yamal is fit for the 2026 FIFA World Cup final, easing concerns over the teenager’s fitness after the team’s semi-final victory over France.
Yamal, who received a heavy challenge during the semi-final, had been the subject of speculation ahead of Sunday’s showdown with Lionel Messi’s Argentina. However, De la Fuente assured supporters that the 18-year-old is fully available as Spain bid to win their first World Cup title since 2010.
Speaking ahead of Spain’s final training session, the coach described reaching the World Cup final as a remarkable achievement while stressing his team’s determination to lift the trophy.
“It’s already a luxury, a privilege, to be in a final,” De la Fuente said. “The important thing is to play in a final and 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.”
Addressing Yamal’s condition, De la Fuente dismissed any injury concerns.
“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, and today he trained normally with his teammates,” he said.
The Spain boss also rejected comparisons between Yamal and Argentina captain Lionel Messi, saying the young winger should continue to develop his own style of play.
“Lamine has to be Lamine. Messi is a one-of-a-kind player and is having a spectacular World Cup. Lamine also has spectacular potential,” he added.
De la Fuente further dismissed suggestions that Argentina rely on overly physical tactics, expressing admiration for the reigning world champions and their head coach, Lionel Scaloni.
“I respect all opinions, but no. I have great admiration for the national team. They’ve made history and are managed by a friend of mine. Everyone will use their own footballing tactics, but this is a football match,” he said.
Spain will face Argentina in Sunday’s World Cup final, with Yamal expected to feature as La Roja aim to reclaim the title for the first time in 16 years.
