Fermin Lopez Backs Lamine Yamal to Return Fit for Spain at 2026 FIFA World Cup

Lamine Yamal’s absence from the remainder of Barcelona’s domestic season has prompted concern among supporters of both club and country, but his Barcelona teammate Fermin Lopez has moved to reassure fans that the 18-year-old is progressing well in his recovery.

Yamal sustained a muscle tear that has ruled him out for the rest of the current La Liga campaign, including the crucial El Clásico fixture against Real Madrid — a match that could prove decisive in Barcelona’s pursuit of the league title. According to reports, the Spanish international is not expected to return to action until the opening stages of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, with Spain’s medical staff and coaching team hopeful he will be available before the tournament begins.

Speaking to Mundo Deportivo, Lopez offered a candid but optimistic assessment of his compatriot’s situation. “He is well,” Lopez said. “When you get injured, it’s tough at first because he’s an ambitious guy who likes to help out on the pitch and play. With this injury, he can’t play until the World Cup.”

Lopez was quick to add that Yamal’s focus remains firmly on rehabilitation. “Now he’s doing well and needs to focus on recovering, and I think he’ll be in good shape,” he said.

Yamal has been one of the standout performers in European football this season, cementing his status as a key figure in Hansi Flick’s Barcelona side following a breakthrough campaign that included a pivotal role in Spain’s UEFA Euro 2024 triumph — in which he became the youngest player to appear at a major international tournament final. His absence from Barcelona’s final fixtures represents a significant blow to their domestic ambitions, while his availability for the World Cup remains of paramount importance to Spain head coach Luis de la Fuente.

Lopez, who has himself enjoyed an impressive season for both club and country, also addressed his own expectations heading into the summer tournament. “I see myself playing an important role,” he told Mundo Deportivo. “Luis [de la Fuente] gives me a lot of confidence, and I’ve played more in these recent call-ups. I think I’ve taken another step forward with the national team, and I’m very happy.”

The 22-year-old midfielder was measured when assessing his personal role within de la Fuente’s setup, acknowledging that selection decisions ultimately rest with the manager. “The manager decides who plays, but just being at the World Cup makes me happy,” Lopez said. “I think we have a great team, a great squad, capable of repeating what we did at the European Championship. That’s our dream and our goal.”

Spain arrive at the 2026 FIFA World Cup — co-hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico — as one of the tournament favourites, having won Euro 2024 in Germany. The retention of a fit Yamal would significantly bolster their prospects, given the winger’s direct contributions and ability to unlock defences at the highest level. The tournament is scheduled to kick off in June 2026, giving Yamal several weeks beyond the end of the club season to complete his recovery.