Spain Receives Boost as Yamal, Williams Return to Training for World Cup 2026

Spain's preparations for the FIFA World Cup 2026 have received a significant lift with the return to training of star wingers Lamine Yamal and Nico Williams. Both players participated in a training session on Thursday, June 11, easing worries about their availability for the tournament after recent injury setbacks. Their presence on the field suggests they are on track to feature in Spain's campaign, which kicks off against Cape Verde.

The dynamic duo were instrumental in Spain's Euro 2024 triumph, but their club seasons were hampered by injuries. Barcelona's Yamal has been sidelined since April 22 with a hamstring issue, while Athletic Bilbao's Williams has not played for a month, missing the conclusion of his club's domestic fixtures. Their return to full training is a welcome sight for coach Luis de la Fuente, who had previously expressed confidence in their recovery, albeit suggesting they might not be ready for a starting role in the initial match.

Spain's right-back Pedro Porro echoed the sentiment, telling reporters, "They are recovering, they are happy, they are with the group and that is the most important thing." La Roja is set to open their World Cup journey in Atlanta on Monday. According to Spanish media reports, De la Fuente may opt to field a similar lineup to the one that secured a 3-1 victory over Peru in their final warm-up friendly, with Alex Baena and Ferran Torres potentially filling the wide attacking berths if Yamal and Williams are eased back into action.