Lamine Yamal is training again. The 18-year-old Barcelona forward has rejoined Spain’s national team setup in the United States ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, less than two months after a hamstring injury threatened to derail his tournament hopes entirely.

Yamal suffered a left hamstring tear on April 22 during a penalty kick against Celta Vigo, an injury initially expected to sideline him for six to eight weeks. The World Cup opener against Cape Verde is June 15.

The comeback plan

As of early June, Yamal has begun integrated training sessions with the Spanish squad in the US, though he’s still working separately from the main group.

Barcelona has laid out a cautious blueprint for his World Cup involvement. Against Cape Verde in the group-stage opener on June 15, his playing time would be capped at 15 to 20 minutes, depending on how his body responds. If that goes smoothly, his minutes could ramp up to 45-60 against Saudi Arabia in the second match. And if everything stays on track, a potential start against Uruguay on June 26 is on the table.

Spain coach Luis de la Fuente has noted that Yamal has met his training targets ahead of schedule. He also emphasized that match fitness remains the key variable in any selection decision.

“He’s getting better fast… I think he’ll be able to play the first game, but that doesn’t mean [he will]. We’ll evaluate.”

The balancing act between club and country

Barcelona reportedly developed the recovery and minute-management plan that Spain is following, which suggests the two camps are aligned. The six-to-eight-week recovery window Barcelona initially cited puts the earliest safe return right around the Cape Verde match.

At 18, Yamal has potentially 15 more years of elite football ahead of him, which makes protecting him from re-injury a priority that extends well beyond this single tournament.