Spain's World Cup Hopes Boosted by Yamal and Williams' Return

Spain’s World Cup build-up finally delivered the sight everyone around La Roja wanted to see: Lamine Yamal and Nico Williams back on the grass, boots laced, moving freely.

On Thursday in Atlanta, both wingers took part in full training, easing the anxiety that had hovered over Spain’s camp ahead of Monday’s Group-stage opener against Cape Verde. No strapping drama, no isolated work on the side. They were with the group, part of the rhythm again.

For Spain, that matters. A lot.

From Euro heroes to injury doubts

Yamal and Williams lit up Euro 2024, stretching defences, shredding full-backs, and giving Luis de la Fuente’s side the kind of width and direct running that turns a good team into a terrifying one. Their form was central to Spain’s charge to the title.

This season has been very different.

Yamal has not played since April 22, when a hamstring injury with Barcelona halted his momentum. Williams, the heartbeat of Athletic Bilbao’s flank, has been out for a month, missing the close of their campaign. Two of Spain’s most explosive weapons, both parked in the treatment room as the World Cup loomed into view.

No wonder every update from camp has been dissected.

Encouraging signs, measured expectations

De la Fuente tried to calm the waters earlier in the week, expressing confidence that both would be available to feature against Cape Verde, while warning it was “unlikely” either would start. Thursday’s session backed up that cautious optimism.

“They are recovering, they are happy, they are with the group and that is the most important thing,” right-back Pedro Porro told reporters, underlining the mood inside the squad. The message was clear: no rush, no panic, but the worst fears are off the table.

Spain know exactly what they risk by forcing the issue with two players coming off “important injuries,” as Porro put it. This is a long tournament. The temptation to throw them straight into the XI is obvious; the medical reality is harsher.

Baena and Ferran ready to step in

So the plan, for now, is continuity. Spanish media report that De la Fuente is set to name the same starting side that beat Peru 3-1 in their final warm-up match on Monday. That means Alex Baena and Ferran Torres are expected to keep their places out wide.

Baena offers craft and subtlety between the lines, Ferran brings work rate and penalty-box instincts. They do not mirror Yamal and Williams, but they give Spain structure and reliability while the two stars build up minutes and confidence.

Cape Verde in Atlanta is the first hurdle, not the final exam. If all goes to script, Yamal and Williams will be eased back in from the bench, allowed to feel the ball, the contact, the pace of a World Cup again without being asked to carry the full weight of expectation.

Spain arrive as European champions, with a target on their backs and a style built on speed, width and bravery. Now their two most electric wide men are back in the frame.

The only question left is how quickly they can go from “with the group” to changing the tournament.