The fifth day of the World Cup and the games are passing, even if the calendar shows that we have not played this tournament yet. Today is the turn of the favorites as Spain start the game at home against the first-timers in the tournament, Cabo Verde. Will the European champions add to their continental crown? Such is the talent imbalance on paper that we may not get much of an answer for today, when all eyes will be on Lamine Yamal.
After that, Group H completes its opening matches with a match between Saudi Arabia and Uruguay. On either side of that game is Group G, where Belgium, opening against Egypt, look like big favorites, as the golden generation of the late 2010s continues to recede from view. This will probably be Kevin De Bruyne’s last World Cup as it will be Mohamed Salah’s, the two greatest Premier League players facing each other for the last time.
Is Yamal ready to go?
It wouldn’t be the World Cup without the injuries that have gripped football’s biggest nation. For David Beckham in 2002 or for N’Golo Kante four years ago, there is an equivalent in 2026. It’s Yamal and his hamstring problem. The 18-year-old, already one of the best players in the world, has been sidelined since suffering an injury in April’s win over Celta Vigo, but word from the camp is that he is available ahead of schedule and could feature in Spain’s World Cup opener against Cabo Verde.
“The good news is that Lamine is in good shape,” Spain manager Luis de la Fuente said on Sunday. “He’s reached the stage we wanted him to be in. He’s doing well like Nico. [Williams] and Victor [Muñoz]. All are available, although some may not play the entire game.
“The doctors say that Lamine can play tomorrow without problems. Not to play for 90 minutes, but to play for some minutes, yes.”
Fitness, of course, is one thing, sharpness is another. Spain at least have the chance to take it slowly with their star player, giving him some minutes against Cape Verde, a few more in another specific assignment on paper against Saudi Arabia, before releasing the Barcelona striker against Uruguay in 12 days. There may be time for this to be Yamal’s tournament.
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That’s a very lively prospect if he’s eligible. Just look at that picture above. That’s the statistical profile of one of the best players in the world. It may be the first time that an 18-year-old boy has reached such a high level in the sport at such a young age. The outstanding youth of the past shone brightly because of the unwavering promise held by their talent. You have to go back, maybe even past Ronaldo, to find a player who did this at such a young age.
Being so beautiful, so young has its own long-term problems. Yamal may be celebrating his 19th birthday shortly before he plays in the World Cup semi-finals. It would be the 186th major game of his career. At the same time Lionel Messi had played for 71 years, Cristiano Ronaldo had not yet hit 100. Yamal is still growing in his body; this season he suffered a pubis injury common to young footballers whose bodies have to adapt to the repetitive conditions of the game. How a small body copes with the difficulties placed on it to bring the incredible talent of Spain’s brightest star. The best thing is to enjoy Yamal for as long as possible.
Can Doku be the star of the World Cup?
If you’ve been glancing at Premier League results over the past few years, you’d be forgiven for looking at Jeremy Doku as borderline uninteresting. Five goals and five assists, playing in what is probably the best Manchester City attack in the world? Uh, is that really unusual? And it’s fair to say that the 24-year-old doesn’t look set to become a prolific goalscorer. Even his manager at the time, Pep Guardiola, joked that Doku would never be a top scorer. He had five goals in 2.71 expected last season Pep! Respect the ending!
However, Doku’s value lies elsewhere, and it is surprising. If sticking the ball in the net is the most important thing in football then Belgium comes out on top in the third most important area (the second is obviously stopping the other team from sticking it in the net), putting the ball in places where it is possible to stop it in the net. Last season the Man City midfielder led the league with 16% more passes than the second placed player. If you test the player’s ability to beat a man and put the ball in the box, you find that Doku is throwing your axes.
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This ability to beat his man and get into the penalty area should be even more effective at the World Cup, where Belgium will likely need a way past a series of opponents who will stay deep and look to draw pressure, starting with Egypt. With Kevin De Bruyne getting the ball to himself while Leandro Trossard and Charles De Ketelaere operate in supporting roles, there is plenty of talent to deal with, even if it’s not Erling Haaland and Rayan Cherki. Maybe that will suit Doku. After a third season in City’s attack, this could be the tournament where he shines in a leading role.
Has Saudi Arabia started?
Four days after the most dubious win in their national team’s history — beating eventual champions Argentina 2-1 in their World Cup opener — football in Saudi Arabia changed forever. CBS Sports broke the news that Cristiano Ronaldo received a huge offer from Al-Nassr of the Pro League to take his services to the kingdom after his contract with Manchester United was terminated. A big talent split will soon follow.
It has been three and a half years since Saudi Arabia’s top footballers were exposed to a level of talent the home team had never seen before. Lens defender Saud Abdulhamid is the only member of the 2026 World Cup squad to play outside his home country. Others have had the opportunity to test themselves against some of the best players of the last decade, many of whom are admittedly in poor form.
Perhaps it wasn’t the most important reason for the Pro League project, but developing homegrown players was certainly a factor in the rush to bring in talent. After all, many of the richest clubs in this division prefer not to limit themselves to 10 international players, two aged 21 or under, and a matchday limit of eight. The Saudi Arabian Football Federation insisted otherwise. There is a World Cup to be hosted eight years from now. The Green Falcons will want to give it a good shot.
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When it comes to the World Cup, it will look like there is work to be done. Japan and Australia finished well ahead of Saudi Arabia in the third qualifying round, and with home field advantage in every game they just overtook Indonesia and Iraq for fourth place. Roberto Mancini was sacked midway through qualifying and Herve Renard, the mastermind behind Argentina’s victory, was sacked in April after friendly defeats to Egypt and Serbia. His replacement Georgios Donis will know the players from five years coaching in the Pro League and a 0-0 draw in a pre-tournament friendly with Senegal was a credible result, even if the Saudis spent most of the game trailing.
In eight years it is expected that this team will at least compete with Uruguay. Can they in 2026? If not, it’s Spain next and a high-pressure clash with Cabo Verde in a place where a big win may be needed to qualify. That’s a lot of pressure though, but since their own competition is bigger, Saudi Arabia are better used to it.
