Spain Handed Major World Cup Boost As Yamal, Williams Return To Full Training

Spain have received a significant boost ahead of their 2026 FIFA World Cup campaign after Lamine Yamal and Nico Williams returned to full training at the team’s base camp in Chattanooga, Tennessee, on Thursday.

The pair, alongside Víctor Muñoz, missed Monday’s international friendly against Peru due to injury concerns and remained behind at the training camp as they continued their rehabilitation programmes.

Barcelona sensation Yamal has not featured competitively since 22 April after suffering a left hamstring injury. However, Spain head coach Luis de la Fuente remains optimistic about the teenager’s availability for the tournament.

Speaking last week, De la Fuente said he expected Yamal to be “ready to play” in Spain’s opening World Cup fixture, although he cautioned that the winger’s involvement could initially be limited to a brief appearance.

The return of Yamal and Williams was warmly celebrated by their teammates, who welcomed the duo back by making them run the traditional training gauntlet. Goalkeeper Unai Simón also joined the celebrations as he marked his birthday.

The reigning European champions begin their World Cup campaign against Cape Verde in Atlanta on 15 June as they seek a second world title.

Spain will then remain in Atlanta to face Saudi Arabia on 21 June before concluding their Group campaign against Uruguay in Guadalajara, Mexico, on 26 June.