Spain’s teenage prodigy Lamine Yamal will start their World Cup campaign from the bench – hours after being spotted in a Walmart in Atlanta, where the European champions face tournament debutants Cape Verde on Monday.
The 18-year-old Barcelona winger and Athletic Bilbao forward Nico Williams both picked up hamstring injuries in the build-up to the tournament, and while Spain confirmed both players would be available for the Group H clash at Atlanta Stadium, neither was deemed fit enough to start. Yamal, who was pictured inspecting the pitch before kick-off, joins Williams among the substitutes as the pre-tournament favourites begin their quest for glory.
“Spain bench Lamine Yamal and Nico Williams for World Cup opener against Cape Verde due to hamstring injuries.”
Spain’s line-up decision came on a day of political intrigue elsewhere at the World Cup. Iran’s national team arrived in the United States for their first match against New Zealand in Los Angeles, flying in from their base camp in Mexico and returning the same day under strict travel curfews. The travel restrictions follow a peace deal signed on Sunday between Donald Trump and Iran, which Secretary of State Marco Rubio said would allow players into the US but could block individuals linked to the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC). Eleven members of Iran’s delegation have been denied visas, with Tehran accusing the US of refusing entry to “integral” backroom staff.
Meanwhile, Tunisia’s head coach faces the sack after a humiliating five-goal defeat in their opener against Sweden, and Belgium will face Egypt later on Monday, while Saudi Arabia take on Uruguay. But much of the attention remains on Spain, who are odds-on favourites at 1/14 with Cape Verde priced at 28/1. Betway spokesperson Lewis Knowles noted the gulf in class. Yet the absence of Yamal and Williams from the starting XI offers a sliver of hope for the island nation ranked 73rd in the world.