Spain’s coaching staff doesn’t want to take any chances with their young star, but optimism is growing in camp.

Baylor School in Chattanooga, Tennessee has the rare opportunity to host Lamine Yamal and the rst of Spain's World Cup squad as they prepare for action in Atlanta.

Yamal, who will turn 19 before the final, goes into the World Cup as defending champion of La Liga and will be joined on the field by many of his fellow Barça players, including 19-year-old Pau Cubarsí. Yamal and Cubarsí are the two youngest players on the team and, alongside 14 others, are the reigning Euro 2024 champions.

Lamine Yamal could be fit for Spain's World Cup opener, according to head coach Luis de la Fuente.

Lamine Yamal could be the difference-maker for European champions Spain at the World Cup.

The Spain star has once again surged ahead of some of soccer’s biggest names, including Erling Haaland and Kylian Mbappe, reinforcing his status as one of the sport’s most influential young talents ahead of the tournament.

The Barcelona star remains Spain’s biggest absentee ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Can he return in time, or will La Roja find a way to cope without him?

The comparison with Ronaldinho is unavoidable. When the Brazilian won the 2002 FIFA World Cup with Brazil, he was only 22 years old. He played in five matches, scored two goals, provided three assists, and lifted the trophy, taking the first major step toward becoming one of the most admired soccer players of all time.

FC Barcelona’s 2025/26 season was, above all, an attacking season. Yes, the defence had its moments and the midfield helped the attack function, but Hansi Flick’s team were all about scoring