Spain manager Luis de la Fuente has confirmed the return of Lamine Yamal to the national team for the upcoming fixtures against Georgia and Turkey, praising the Barcelona star’s form and fitness.
“I say, from conviction, that Lamine Yamal is in perfect condition,” said De la Fuente. “His coach has said that he was fit to play. He’ll be here as long as we deem appropriate. We need our best players here.”
The 18-year-old forward has been in outstanding form for Barcelona during the 2025-26 season, recording three goals and four assists in seven LaLiga appearances. He recently found the net against Elche and played a crucial role in Barça’s 6-1 Champions League victory over Olympiacos. His pace, dribbling, and creativity have revitalized the Catalan attack, while his understanding with Robert Lewandowski and Raphinha continues to flourish.
Yamal has also made a strong impression in Europe, scoring two goals and providing one assist in three Champions League starts. His ability to create chances and test goalkeepers — with 12 shots, four on target — underlines his growing confidence on the biggest stage.
Lamine Yamal Missed World Cup Qualifiers
The call-up comes after Yamal missed last month’s World Cup qualifiers due to pubalgia, which led to tension between Barcelona and the Spanish federation. However, De la Fuente insists there’s no issue now, calling Yamal’s inclusion an “obvious choice.”
“Watching the Champions League game the other day, he’s in perfect shape,” De la Fuente added. “He’s getting back to being the player he always has been, and we celebrate that.”
Spain currently sit top of Group E with 12 points from four games, three ahead of Turkey. Alongside Yamal, Barcelona teammates Ferran Torres, Dani Olmo, Fermín López, and Pau Cubarsí have also been included in the squad.
As Yamal continues to mature, both Barcelona and Spain appear confident they have a generational talent ready to shape their future.
Also read: “Different Era, Same DNA”: Lamine Yamal’s Humility Wins Hearts as He Shines for Barcelona