Spain F Yamal is officially listed as expected to play but isn't starting in Monday's Spain vs. Cape Verde World Cup match from Mercedes-Benz Stadium at 12:00 p.m. ET.
Yamal, Spain’s best player, suffered a hamstring injury during a Barcelona match back on April 22. The 18-year-old was in line to recover in time for the World Cup, and he did. However, the forward is tracking to be slowly reintroduced into the Spanish lineup.
It'll be interesting to see when manager Luis de la Fuente subs Yamal into the lineup today (or in group play, for that matter). He'll have no shortage of attacking players to start and produce in Yamal’s place.
Below, we'll break down the latest Yamal injury update for Monday, how Yamal could be used in group play, and what World Cup picks to possibly target on PrizePicks with Yamal not starting.
Make your Spain World Cup 2026 predictions on PrizePicks.
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Lamine Yamal Injury Update: Is Yamal Playing Today vs. Cape Verde?
Yamal sustained a biceps femoris injury in his left hamstring during a Barcelona La Liga match against Celta Vigo on April 22. Many were concerned about Spain’s decision to adopt a conservative approach to recovery, given that the 2026 World Cup was approaching.
Yamal missed the final six La Liga matches and two World Cup friendlies.
Yamal has officially been ruled as fit for Monday's game vs. Cape Verde. This is with the caveat that the forward will not start. Spain hoped Yamal would be able to start, but there is a plan. He fully participated in group training on Sunday in preparation for a matchday one matchup against the Blue Sharks.
De la Fuente had already talked about easing a few players into the Spanish squad, including Nico Williams and Victor Muñoz. Group H features one tougher matchup against Uruguay, but that does not come until matchday three.
Spain is expected by many to cruise through the group and go from there.
No one should be surprised to see Yamal late in the first match of the group stage. He may play about 15-20 minutes.
The 18-year-old has an impressive G/A record this season, scoring 16 goals and adding 11 assists in 28 matches for Barcelona. His ability allows de la Fuente to use him in several positions.
Make your Spain vs. Cape Verde predictions for the World Cup on PrizePicks.
How Long Will Yamal Be a Sub?
Spain’s manager emphasized that Yamal will see an uptick for matchday two, and we could see the Spanish star return to the Starting XI for matchday three, when Spain takes on Uruguay on June 26.
There were rumors that Yamal could miss matchdays one and two. However, de la Fuente’s press conference quickly stopped that speculation.
We can agree that Yamal will only ramp up his participation from here. The projection is that the young superstar will start against Uruguay on matchday three.
What Spain Players to Target for PrizePicks With Yamal Limited?
With Yamal limited for at least the first two contests, Spain still employs an incredible attacking unit with two superstars on either wing and several enticing options up top. Spain can lean heavily on Mikal Oyarzabal.
Alex Baena and Ferran Torres are expected to play forward with Oyarzabal in the early going.
The Atletico Madrid player has no goals in four World Cup qualifiers. This is a chance for Baena to shine with one of the best players in the world. Now, the same can be said for Torres.
Torres is a teammate of Yamal at Barcelona and scored 16 goals in 33 matches. He would be a forward to target, with 3 goals in each of his UEFA Champions League appearances (3).
Here are Spain’s players who may benefit most statistically on PrizePicks with Yamal limited vs. Cape Verde today, plus their World Cup stat projections for Monday.
- F Alex Baena vs. Cape Verde — 2.5 Shots / 2.5 Fouls / 0.5 Cards
- F Ferran Torres vs. Cape Verde — 0.5 Goals / 3.5 shots / 1.5 Goal + Assist (Demon)
- F Mikel Oyarzabal vs. Cape Verde — 1.5 Goals / 4 shots / 1.5 Shots on Target
Oyarzabal could thrive with Yamal and Williams both being subs for this match. The 29-year-old prepares to start up top in his first World Cup. The Real Sociedad star enters the World Cup after scoring 15 goals with 4 assists in his 11th season with the club.
Oyarzabal came to prominence as Spain triumphed in Euro 2024. While Oyarzabal is not quite as flashy as a Yamal, Spain clearly isn't short on goal-scoring capabilities.
Spain just might pile on the goals like Germany did against Curacao.
Combine Spain to Win + Torres picks on PrizePicks.
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Make Spain vs. Cape Verde Picks on PrizePicks
Yamal is limited, Baena and Torres are projected to start, and Spain’s opening World Cup match is mere hours away. Spain has little worry when it comes to filling the scoring void of Yamal, and de la Fuente’s side has shown plenty of offense regardless.
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