Spain coach drops a bombshell: Lamine Yamal a "joker" substitute against Saudi Arabia in the 2026 World Cup

As the start of the 2026 World Cup in North America approaches, Luis de la Fuente, the technical director of the Spain national team, has sparked controversy regarding the role of young star Lamine Yamal in the starting lineup, especially in the anticipated clash against the Saudi national team.

"De la Fuente's" plan to deal with Yamal's injury

Barcelona's 18-year-old talent is suffering from a thigh muscle injury that will keep him off the field until the end of the domestic season. Despite optimism about him joining the World Cup in mid-June, the technical approach is leaning towards:

• Gradual participation: Not rushing Yamal into the starting lineup to ensure the injury does not worsen.

• Impactful substitute: Using him as a "joker" in the second half to change the course of matches.

• Saving for knockout stages: Preserving the player's physical readiness for the crucial stages of the tournament.

Spain's matches in the 2026 World Cup groups

The Spanish "Matador", European champions, are in a strong group that includes:

1. Saudi national team.

2. Uruguay national team.

According to the Spanish newspaper "Sport", De la Fuente believes that facing the Saudi "Green Falcons" and their defensive blocks might require Yamal's skill in the final minutes, rather than exhausting him for a full 90 minutes.

"Dani Olmo model" strategy

Spain's coach explained his philosophy of relying on players who are not 100% fit, citing what happened with Dani Olmo in the previous European Championship, where he said:

"There are players capable of delivering 20 amazing minutes, and that is a very great value. Olmo joined us injured, and we almost ruled him out, but he ended up being decisive in the tournament."

Will Yamal be absent from the starting lineup throughout the tournament?

Leaks indicate that the medical staff of the Spain national team has set a special program for Yamal focusing on:

• Playing limited minutes in the group stage (against Saudi Arabia and Cape Verde).

• Assessing his condition before the Uruguay clash.

• Returning to the starting lineup from the Round of 16 if fully fit.

Conclusion: Spanish caution against the ambition of the "Green Falcons"

While Saudi and global fans await to see Lamine Yamal on the green pitch, caution seems to be the prevailing attitude among the Spanish. Will the "Green Falcons" succeed in exploiting Yamal's absence from the start, or will the young star have a different say when he comes on as a substitute?