Spain will begin their 2026 World Cup campaign without star attackers Lamine Yamal and Nico Williams in the starting lineup.
Head coach Luis de la Fuente confirmed the duo are fit but will be benched for Monday's Group H match against Cape Verde in Atlanta.
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Yamal suffered a grade two hamstring tear that sidelined him for the final month of Barcelona's club season.
Williams has been out since May 10 with a minor hamstring issue. Both missed Spain's recent warm-up friendlies against Iraq and Peru.
De la Fuente announced their availability on the eve of the match, but indicated they are not yet ready to start.
The coaching staff is taking a cautious approach with the two young wingers.
Expected Starting Lineup
Spain's starting XI is expected to mirror the side that played in the final friendly against Peru.
Ferran Torres, Alex Baena, and Mikel Oyarzabal are set to lead the attack.
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The midfield trio will likely consist of Fabian Ruiz, Rodri, and Pedri.
In defense, Marc Cucurella and Marcos Llorente are projected to start at full-back, with Pau Cubarsi and Aymeric Laporte in central defense.
Goalkeeper Unai Simon is expected to retain his starting position ahead of David Raya and Joan Garcia.
Osasuna winger Victor Munoz will also begin on the bench after recovering from a calf injury.
Barcelona midfielder Fermin Lopez is out of the tournament entirely with a broken foot.
Cape Verde are making their World Cup debut.
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Spain will aim to secure a strong start despite missing some of their key attacking threats from the opening whistle.
