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.

Lamine Yamal is expected to be fit for Spain's opening FIFA World Cup 2026 match against Cape Verde on June 15 in Atlanta, said head coach Luis de la Fuente.

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 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.

Spain star Rodri has been full of praise for team-mate Lamine Yamal and says there’s no doubt the Barcelona teenager will win the Ballon d’Or in the future. Yamal narrowly missed out to Ousmane Dembele last time out and will be in the running again in 2026 for the prestigious prize.

At just 18, Lamine Yamal is already drawing comparisons to Lionel Messi, but the Barcelona prodigy is determined to forge his own path ahead of the 2026