Lamine Yamal not expected to start Spain’s second World Cup game
Lamine Yamal saw the last 19 minutes of action during Spain’s shock 0-0 draw with Cape Verde, and was unable to inject creativity into Spain’s attack as they failed to beat the World Cup debutants.
He is not expecting to start against Saudi Arabia as he continues to recover from a hamstring injury suffered a couple of minutes before the tournament. The teenager is also prepared to be patient.
“It’s too soon, it’s unnecessary,” Yamal told RTVE. “I’m in an adaptation process, it’s not the time to play a full match, but I can play as many minutes as the manager wants.”
Jamie Braidwood21 June 2026 14:05
How to watch Spain v Saudi Arabia and kick-off time
When is Spain v Saudi Arabia?
Spain and Saudi Arabia is at 5pm BST on Sunday 21 June (12pm ET) in Atlanta.
How can I watch it?
Viewers in the UK can watch the match free-to-air on BBC1 with coverage starting at 4:30pm BST. It can also be live-streamed on BBC iPlayer.
Jamie Braidwood21 June 2026 14:01
Good afternoon and welcome
Spain return to action at the World Cup and will look to get back to winning ways as they take on Saudi Arabia in Group H.
The European champions were held to a shock 0-0 draw by Cape Verde in their opening game, with star player Lamine Yamal limited to only the final 19 minutes from the bench.
The 18-year-old is not expected to start against Saudi Arabia, who also drew their opening match, 1-1 to Uruguay.
Saudi Arabia, who famously upset Argentina at the last World Cup, are bidding to get out of the group stage for the first time since 1994.
Jamie Braidwood21 June 2026 14:00



