Yamal, the Barcelona player, could reportedly miss Spain’s first two matches against Cape Verde—who are making their tournament debut—and Saudi Arabia due to a hamstring injury sustained in April.

He is not the only concern for coach Luis de la Fuente, as several key players from the Euro 2024-winning squad have endured disrupted seasons.

Midfielder Rodri, who won the Ballon d’Or following Spain’s success in Germany two years earlier, has struggled to return to top form after suffering an ACL injury in September 2024.

De la Fuente has also included Arsenal midfielder Mikel Merino and Athletic Bilbao winger Nico Williams, despite both spending much of 2026 sidelined at club level.

Even so, Spain are widely expected to progress comfortably to the knockout stages, as they look to replicate the country’s only previous World Cup triumph, achieved after their Euro 2008 and 2010 World Cup success.

De la Fuente said: “This generation of players, this group, will bring a lot of joy. They are already bringing joy to Spain.”

“Do we feel like favourites? Yes. Are we capable of winning the World Cup? Yes. Does that guarantee anything? Yes.”

“There are other teams at the same level. Not better, but different.”

Finishing top of the group could be crucial, as second place is likely to face reigning champions Argentina in the round of 32.

Cape Verde are expected to be a comfortable opening opponent for Spain in Atlanta. However, the small island nation—population under 500,000—has already caused surprises, including eliminating Cameroon in qualifying and reaching the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations quarter-finals.

Bielsa’s challenge to rebuild Uruguay’s unity

Uruguay is hoping Marcelo Bielsa can repair relationships within the squad to avoid a second consecutive group-stage exit at the World Cup.

Bielsa will manage at a third different World Cup with a national team, but his demanding methods have led to tensions following a promising start to his tenure.

All-time top scorer Luis Suárez has criticised the coach, prompting Bielsa to admit that his authority inside the dressing room has been affected.

With both Suárez and Edinson Cavani now retired, Real Madrid midfielder Federico Valverde carries the hopes of the two-time world champions, who lifted the trophy in 1930 and 1950.

Saudi Arabia in a period of uncertainty

Saudi Arabia arrive in the United States in a state of instability after the dismissal of coach Hervé Renard less than two months before the tournament and the appointment of Greek coach Yorgos Donis as his replacement.

Renard had famously led Saudi Arabia to a shock victory over eventual champions Argentina at the Qatar World Cup four years ago, but still failed to guide them beyond the group stage.

Despite heavy investment in attracting global stars to the Saudi Pro League, the national team has not seen a corresponding improvement and will host the 2034 World Cup.

Saudi Arabia have failed to progress beyond the round of 16 in the last four Asian Cups and have not reached the knockout stages of a World Cup since the tournament was held in the United States 32 years ago.