Spain’s 3-0 win over Bulgaria in Sofia ought to have been remembered as an easy begin to the 2026 World Cup qualifying marketing campaign. As a substitute, the evening ended with a contact of uncertainty that echoed again to Barcelona. Lamine Yamal, the teenage sensation, as soon as once more dazzled together with his talent and imaginative and prescient earlier than being pressured off late within the match. Now, as Spain prepares for an important conflict with Turkey, the highlight rests squarely on whether or not their 18-year-old star will likely be match to characteristic.
At simply 18 years outdated, Yamal has already grow to be Spain’s most influential attacking outlet. In opposition to Bulgaria, he performed with maturity effectively past his years, tormenting defenders and straight influencing all three targets. His help for Mikel Merino’s strike sealed the win, however his early substitution raised alarms.
The second got here within the 79th minute, when Luis de la Fuente opted to exchange him with Jesus Rodriguez. The choice was partly tactical, but it surely was additionally precautionary. Studies later confirmed that Yamal has been coping with again discomfort. In response to Mundo Deportivo, the problem is just not critical, but it surely was sufficient for La Roja’s workers to intervene.
“We may have drawn extra constructive conclusions, however all of us completed wholesome. It was a troublesome match, and the following one will likely be a lot better,” de la Fuente instructed TVE after the sport, providing reassurance that the damage was solely minor.
What actually occurred
The RFEF later clarified that Yamal’s discomfort had been bothering him earlier than the match and that the substitution was designed to keep away from pointless threat with the rating already determined. Spain’s teaching workers confirmed that the teen stayed behind within the gymnasium for restoration coaching the next day, alongside different starters.
Even so, the alarm bells rang loud in Barcelona. Hansi Flick has made the winger an integral a part of his plans, and any disruption may have vital penalties. Because the Catalan paper famous, “Barcelona can scarcely afford to be with out their star ahead over the approaching weeks.”
Will Yamal be capable of characteristic in opposition to Turkey?
Spain now travels to Konya for its second qualifier, the place it faces Turkey, recent off a victory in opposition to Georgia. The stakes couldn’t be increased—solely the group winner qualifies straight for the 2026 World Cup. In opposition to such a robust rival, each weapon counts.
And that is the place the thriller lies: will Lamine Yamal be prepared? The reply appears cautiously optimistic. In response to the federation, Yamal’s situation is being monitored every day, with an expectation that he will likely be accessible. Nonetheless, the teaching workers insists that nothing will likely be left to probability.
De la Fuente addressed the problem straight, telling Cadena SER: “Concerning Lamine Yamal, he felt one thing, however it’s not believed to be an damage as such. He must be accessible for Turkey.”
