Jamal is essential in facing Saudi Arabia.

The star Lamine Yamal will start for his country Spain in the match against Saudi Arabia on Sunday as part of the second round of the group stage in the 2026 FIFA World Cup, after recovering from a thigh injury.

After playing for about twenty minutes last Monday against Cape Verde, coach Luis de la Fuente is deploying him as a starter in the right winger position.

The young player, who will soon turn 19, is expected to play for about an hour in Atlanta, as confirmed by the coach of the European champions to the press the evening before the match.

In addition to Yamal, De la Fuente made three changes compared to the opening match, which ended in a goalless draw against Cape Verde, ranked 64th in the world: he included Pedro Porro in the left-back position, reinstated Pedri in midfield, while relying on Dani Olmo and Alex Baena in attack.

As for the other winger, Nico Williams, who is also suffering from a thigh injury, he will be on the bench, just like in the last match, and he will be replaced by Baena instead of Ferran Torres.

Spain will face Saudi Arabia with a lineup consisting of: Unai Simon – Marc Cucurella, Pau Torres, Aymeric Laporte, Pedro Porro – Rodri, Pedri – Lamine Yamal, Dani Olmo, Alex Baena – Mikel Oyarzabal.