Lamine Yamal Expected to Miss Rest of Barcelona Season But Fit for 2026 World Cup

Barcelona confirmed on Thursday that Lamine Yamal will miss the remainder of the 2025-26 La Liga season due to a hamstring injury sustained during their 1-0 victory over Celta Vigo on Wednesday night.

The 18-year-old forward scored the winning goal from the penalty spot in the 40th minute but immediately signaled distress, grabbing his left leg before being substituted before halftime.

Barcelona’s medical team diagnosed a hamstring injury in the biceps femoris muscle of Yamal’s left leg, confirming he will follow a conservative treatment plan.

Despite missing the final six La Liga matches, the club stated that Yamal is expected to be available for Spain’s 2026 World Cup campaign, which begins with a Group H match against Cape Verde on June 15 in Atlanta, Georgia.

Barcelona currently leads Real Madrid by nine points in La Liga with 18 points still available, making a historic collapse unlikely as they aim for back-to-back titles.

Yamal expressed his disappointment on Instagram, writing: “This injury sidelines me just when I most wanted to be on the field. It hurts that I won’t be fighting alongside my teammates. But I believe in them and recognize that they will give it their all in every game.”

The teenager has been instrumental for both Barcelona and Spain, having helped lead La Roja to the 2024 European Championship and emerging as one of the world’s top players since his debut at 15 years old.

Spain’s World Cup campaign under coach Luis de la Fuente begins on June 15 against Cape Verde in Atlanta, with Yamal expected to make his tournament debut in that match.

Barcelona’s next match is against Real Madrid in El Clasico on May 10 at Camp Nou, part of their remaining fixtures before the season concludes.

For continued updates on Yamal’s recovery and Spain’s World Cup preparations, follow official channels from the Spanish Football Federation, and Barcelona.