• Bruno Fernandes tops the early betting markets for the 2026 World Cup assists leader.
• Lionel Messi and Lamine Yamal are joint third favourites according to bookmakers.
• The tournament will take place across the United States, Canada and Mexico in summer 2026.
• European and South American playmakers dominate the predictions for the Golden Assist award.

Bookmakers have opened their markets for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. They are predicting which player will create the most goals during the tournament.

Portugal midfielder Bruno Fernandes is the current favourite. He has odds of +900. This means a $10 bet would return $100 if he provides the most assists.

France winger Michael Olise is second in the betting. The Bayern Munich star has odds of +1000.

Argentina captain Lionel Messi shares the next position with Spain teenager Lamine Yamal. Both players have odds of +1200. Many fans expect this to be Messi’s final World Cup appearance.

Other attacking stars appear further down the list. Brazil forward Vinícius Júnior is priced at +1400. France striker Kylian Mbappé and Belgium playmaker Kevin De Bruyne both stand at +2000. Germany’s Florian Wirtz and Belgium winger Jérémy Doku share the same odds.

The award recognises the player who makes the final pass before a goal is scored. This is different from the Golden Boot, which goes to the top scorer. The tournament kicks off in June 2026 across three North American nations.

• The Spain winger shows remarkable calm despite constant comparisons to Lionel Messi
• He has already played 151 matches for FC Barcelona at age 18, far more than Messi managed by the same age
• His game is evolving from a traditional winger into a central playmaker who creates chances
• Childhood idol Luka Modric influenced his passing style more than traditional wide players did
• He aims to win the 2026 FIFA World Cup with Spain, believing pressure is merely an excuse

Lamine Yamal carries the weight of expectation with a smile that suggests he knows something the rest of us are still learning. At just 18 years of age, the FC Barcelona forward has already lifted the European Championship trophy and worn the number 10 shirt that Lionel Messi made famous at the Catalan club. Yet what strikes you most is not his trophy cabinet. It is his peace of mind.

The young Spaniard plays with a freedom that defies his years. When a television crew asked him recently if Spain could win the World Cup, he answered with one simple word: “Yes.” No hesitation. No fear.

Everyone wants to compare him to Messi. They share the same left foot. They both make hard things look simple. The numbers even suggest Yamal is ahead of schedule. By his 18th birthday, he had played 151 times for Barcelona. Messi had only played 41 games when he turned 19.

But Yamal does not want this comparison. “Messi is the best ever,” he says. “I do not want to be him. I want to follow my own road.” He says the same about Cristiano Ronaldo. He wants children to copy him, not the legends who came before.

His coaches see something different in him too. Spain boss Luis de la Fuente calls him “touched by God.” Barcelona manager Hansi Flick says he is a “genius” who plays like a 25-year-old. Rio Ferdinand, the former Manchester United defender, thinks Yamal at 17 was already better than both Messi and Ronaldo were at the same age.

Here is the secret that makes Yamal special. He was never meant to stay on the wing.

As a boy, he did not study wingers like Arjen Robben. He watched Luka Modric. He loved how the Croatian midfielder saw passes others could not. He loved how Modric used the outside of his boot to split defences open. “That is about the mind, not just running with the ball,” Yamal explains.

This is why his game is changing. In the last two seasons, he has moved inside more often. He now operates as a second creator, not just a wide runner. The data proves it. He is becoming a playmaker who can also score.

His old coaches at La Masia, Barcelona’s academy, saw this coming. Albert Puig noticed years ago that Yamal played best when he had team-mates in front of him and space to pass. Julen Guerrero, who worked with him in the national youth teams, believes he could become a false nine one day.

Messi made the same journey. He started on the right wing. He ended up in the centre, running the show. Messi needed until his mid-twenties to make that move. Yamal might do it much sooner.

The 2026 FIFA World Cup waits on the horizon. Yamal will still be 18 when the tournament starts in North America. He will turn 19 the day before the semi-finals. Spain will travel as one of the top sides, with Yamal as their main threat.

He is not thinking about the Ballon d’Or. He is not thinking about pressure. “Pressure is just an excuse,” he says. “If you enjoy yourself, there is no pressure.” He is simply playing football his way. And the world is watching.

• Barcelona winger feared his World Cup dream had ended after April injury against Espanyol
• The 18-year-old suffered his first-ever hamstring tear just weeks before the tournament
• Spain manager Luis de la Fuente targets second group match against Saudi Arabia for his return
• Yamal admits he was praying desperately that the problem was only a minor cramp
• The teenager insists he enjoys high-pressure situations and views them as motivation

Spain’s teenage star Lamine Yamal has confessed he was terrified that his World Cup journey had ended before it began. The Barcelona forward damaged his hamstring during the derby clash with Espanyol in April, leaving him scared he would miss the tournament in the United States, Canada and Mexico.

The 18-year-old is the main face of Spain’s campaign, but he is currently recovering from the muscle tear. He is expected to miss the opening match against Cape Verde. However, manager Luis de la Fuente hopes the young player will return for the second group game against Saudi Arabia.

Speaking to Marca from the team’s training centre, Yamal described his immediate reaction to the setback. He explained that he kept praying inside that it was only a minor cramp rather than a serious tear. The forward had never experienced this type of injury before and worried about suffering a relapse that could rule him out completely.

Despite the frustration, Yamal sees one positive aspect. The rest period gives his body time to recover from a long season before travelling to North America. He feels mentally fresh and eager to make his World Cup debut.

The young star also discussed handling pressure. He believes great expectations actually improve his performance. He views the challenge as enjoyable and motivating.

Yamal reflected on his rapid progress. Just four years ago, he was playing with friends at a local sports centre. Now he is preparing for football’s biggest stage. He finds this journey incredible.

Spain have other fitness concerns too. Nico Williams is also recovering from injury problems, while Mikel Merino has just returned from a long absence. However, defender Pau Cubarsí should be available despite wearing a protective splint on his finger.

• Lamine Yamal heads the list despite recent hamstring troubles
• Real Madrid players absent from Spain squad for first time in history
• Gavi returns after long-term knee injury
• Joan Garcia beats Alex Remiro to third goalkeeper spot
• Marc Pubill earns call-up after strong season with Atletico Madrid

Luis de la Fuente has chosen his 26-man squad for the 2026 World Cup. Spain hope to win their second title this summer.

The Euro 2024 winners are among the favourites. De la Fuente believes his side can challenge France, England and Argentina for the trophy.

Injuries have disrupted preparations. Mikel Merino only recently recovered from a long spell on the sidelines. Nico Williams and Lamine Yamal both missed the end of the La Liga season with hamstring problems. Fermin Lopez will not play due to a broken metatarsal.

Gavi has been included despite playing just one minute for Spain since November 2023. The Barcelona midfielder suffered a cruciate ligament injury but De la Fuente has shown faith in him. Eric Garcia and Joan Garcia also join from Barcelona even though they have played rarely for the national team recently.

Marc Pubill from Atletico Madrid has earned his place after an excellent campaign at centre-back.

Borja Iglesias of Celta Vigo will serve as the main striker option. Victor Munoz keeps his spot after good performances in March.

The squad makes history. For the first time ever, no Real Madrid player will travel with Spain to a World Cup. Dean Huijsen misses out. Joan Garcia takes the third goalkeeper position ahead of Alex Remiro.

Robin Le Normand also loses his place to Pubill. This means three players from the Euro 2024 final starting line-up are missing. Dani Carvajal and Alvaro Morata are also out.

De la Fuente has named nine standby players. They will train with the squad in Spain before the team flies to the United States. These players can replace anyone who gets injured. The standby list includes Marc Bernal, Javi Rodriguez, Jesus Rodriguez, Leo Roman, Gonzalo Garcia, Sergio Gomez, Jon Martin, Benat Turrientes and Javi Guerra.

Spain World Cup Squad:

Goalkeepers: Unai Simon, David Raya, Joan Garcia

Defenders: Marcos Llorente, Pedro Porro, Eric Garcia, Marc Pubill, Aymeric Laporte, Pau Cubarsi, Marc Cucurella, Alejandro Grimaldo

Midfielders: Pedri, Fabian Ruiz, Martin Zubimendi, Gavi, Rodri Hernandez, Alex Baena, Mikel Merino

Forwards: Mikel Oyarzabal, Dani Olmo, Nico Williams, Yeremy Pino, Ferran Torres, Borja Iglesias, Victor Munoz, Lamine Yamal

• Lamine Yamal travels to the World Cup despite a hamstring tear suffered in April
• Real Madrid sees zero representatives in the Spain squad for the first time ever
• Seven English Premier League stars included in the 26-man selection
• Nico Williams also named despite fitness concerns ahead of the tournament
• Spain open their Group H campaign against debutants Cape Verde on 15 June

Spain head coach Luis de la Fuente has gambled on the fitness of Barcelona wonderkid Lamine Yamal by including the injured forward in his final World Cup squad. The 18-year-old picked up a torn left hamstring while playing for his club on 22 April and has not featured since.

In a historic first for the national team, no Real Madrid players have made the cut. Defenders Dean Huijsen and Dani Carvajal both failed to earn selection, marking the first occasion the squad has travelled to a major tournament without a single representative from the capital club.

Athletic Bilbao winger Nico Williams also features despite battling his own hamstring troubles. De la Fuente remains optimistic about his injured stars, stating that barring any complications, the entire group should be available for their opening fixture.

The squad includes seven players based in the English Premier League. Arsenal contribute three names: goalkeeper David Raya, midfielder Martin Zubimendi, and Mikel Merino, who recently returned from a four-month absence with a foot injury. Manchester City’s Rodri, Tottenham’s Pedro Porro, Chelsea’s Marc Cucurella and Crystal Palace’s Yeremy Pino complete the English-based contingent.

Uncapped defenders Eric Garcia of Barcelona and Marc Pubill of Atletico Madrid have received surprise call-ups after strong club performances. However, Barcelona midfielder Fermin Lopez will miss the tournament through a broken foot.

Spain begin their Group H challenge against tournament debutants Cape Verde on 15 June, before facing Saudi Arabia and Uruguay later that month. The competition runs from 11 June to 19 July.

• Spain manager Luis de la Fuente selects 26 players for the 2026 World Cup finals
• FC Barcelona midfielder Gavi returns after missing 12 months with a knee injury
• No Real Madrid players made the final squad for the first time in the country’s history
• Eight Barcelona footballers are included in the team, including teenage winger Lamine Yamal
• Yamal filmed Gavi’s wild celebration when he heard his name in the squad list

Spain boss Luis de la Fuente has confirmed his 26-man squad for this summer’s World Cup. The list features eight players from FC Barcelona. However, it does not include any footballers from Real Madrid. This is the first time this has ever happened.

The biggest news is the return of Gavi. The 21-year-old has spent the last year recovering from a serious injury. He tore his cruciate ligament while playing for Spain against Georgia in November 2023. This problem kept him out of the Euro 2024 victory.

Gavi has played only 13 matches this season. He has also managed just one minute of action for Spain since his injury. That brief appearance came during the Nations League semi-final against France last year.

An injury to Frenkie de Jong gave Gavi a chance to start matches in the final two months of Barcelona’s season. His strong performances convinced de la Fuente to include him.

Team mate Lamine Yamal shared a video of the moment Gavi learned of his selection. The footage shows the midfielder celebrating wildly at the training ground. Fans had feared he would miss the tournament.

Gonzalo Garcia from Real Madrid is only on the standby list of nine players. Defender Dean Huijsen also failed to make the final cut.

De la Fuente believes Spain can win the trophy. The squad will now begin their training camp.

• Luis de la Fuente states Spain’s 26-man World Cup squad was decided months before the official announcement
• Historic first: No Real Madrid players selected for La Roja’s tournament campaign
• Fermin Lopez ruled out with a broken metatarsal; Dani Carvajal also misses the cut
• Record eight FC Barcelona players included, with Gavi returning to the national setup
• Fitness concerns remain over Lamine Yamal, Nico Williams and Mikel Merino

Spain head coach Luis de la Fuente has disclosed that he settled on his World Cup squad several months ago, despite only unveiling the final 26-man list recently. The national team boss explained that his staff monitored between 50 and 70 players before narrowing down their options for the tournament.

In a historic first for La Roja, no players from Real Madrid feature in the selected group. De la Fuente dismissed suggestions of club bias, insisting he chooses purely on merit. “I am the national team coach, not a supporter. I do not look at which club a player comes from,” he stated firmly.

The squad includes a record eight players from Barcelona, with Gavi’s return particularly celebrated by the manager. De la Fuente affectionately described the midfielder as the team’s “toy” and highlighted his versatility as crucial for their campaign.

Injury blows have hit the camp, with Fermin Lopez ruled out due to a broken metatarsal. Fitness worries also surround key attackers Lamine Yamal and Nico Williams, both recovering from hamstring problems, while Mikel Merino has not featured since January. De la Fuente assured fans that no risks would be taken unless absolutely necessary.

Between the posts, Joan Garcia’s inclusion has sparked discussion about the goalkeeping hierarchy alongside Unai Simon and David Raya. The manager defended his selection, claiming Spain possesses “the best goalkeepers in the world.”

Eric Garcia and Marc Pubill earned their places ahead of Dean Huijsen, with De la Fuente citing their familiarity with the national team setup at youth levels. Spain will fine-tune their preparations with friendly matches against Iraq and Peru before facing Cape Verde in their tournament opener on 15 June.

• Spain manager Luis de la Fuente labels La Roja as favourites for the 2026 World Cup
• The tournament kicks off soon across the United States, Mexico and Canada
• The final 26-man squad will be announced within the next 48 hours
• Barcelona starlet Lamine Yamal will travel but misses the opening match against Cape Verde
• Midfielder Gavi secures his place following a strong return to form

Spain head coach Luis de la Fuente has boldly claimed that his side enters the 2026 World Cup as one of the main favourites to lift the trophy. The tournament begins in North America in just a few weeks time.

Speaking before he names his squad this week, De la Fuente accepted the pressure that comes with the favourites tag. He stated that Spain belongs in this top group, though he believes England and France share the same status.

“We must be careful, even if we are favourites,” the coach said during a podcast interview. “We need to keep our feet on the ground. I do not hide from this word. We are favourites, but England and France are equals.”

The Spanish Football Federation will confirm their 26-man selection within the next two days. FC Barcelona teenage sensation Lamine Yamal will make the journey, though he cannot feature in the first fixture against Cape Verde due to suspension.

De la Fuente also confirmed that Gavi will join the squad. The Barcelona midfielder has earned his spot after showing excellent form following his recovery from injury.

The manager stressed that club rivalries hold no power inside the national team camp. He demanded that players forget whether they represent Real Madrid, FC Barcelona or other clubs when they wear the Spain shirt.

“There are no club players here, only national team players,” De la Fuente explained. “This is a different mentality. We must forget everything else and always bring the best.”

Spain aim to secure their second world title, sixteen years after winning their first crown in South Africa.

• Joan Garcia secures the Zamora Trophy for the best goalkeeper in La Liga.
• Lamine Yamal and Ferran Torres share the Zarra Trophy with 16 goals each.
• Barcelona completed a domestic double despite a final day defeat to Valencia.
• The awards cap a dominant campaign under manager Hansi Flick.

Barcelona ended their 2025-26 campaign with a 3-1 loss away to Valencia on Saturday. The result carried little weight, however, as Hansi Flick’s side had already secured a domestic double.

The Catalan giants claimed both the La Liga title and the Spanish Super Cup this term. Flick has overseen a period of domestic dominance since arriving at the club two years ago.

Three Barcelona stars have now received individual recognition for their performances. Goalkeeper Joan Garcia has won the prestigious Zamora Trophy. The award goes to the keeper with the lowest goals-per-game ratio in the league.

Garcia conceded just 21 goals in 30 matches, averaging 0.7 per game. He sat out the defeat to Valencia, but his record was already superior to Real Madrid’s Thibaut Courtois, who finished with an average of 0.88.

Meanwhile, attackers Lamine Yamal and Ferran Torres will share the Zarra Trophy. This honour goes to the top-scoring Spanish player in La Liga. Both men found the net 16 times this season.

They sit one goal clear of Mikel Oyarzabal of Real Sociedad. The award is not yet fully confirmed. Villarreal’s Alberto Moleiro could still catch them if he scores seven or more goals against Atletico Madrid on Sunday.

All three Barcelona players now hope to feature at the 2026 World Cup in North America. Yamal and Torres are certain picks for Luis de la Fuente’s Spain squad. Garcia faces a battle with Real Sociedad’s Alex Remiro for the third goalkeeper position behind Unai Simon and David Raya.

• Lamine Yamal will not play in Spain’s first World Cup game against Cape Verde on 15 June
• The Barcelona star is recovering from a hamstring tear suffered last month
• He remains a serious doubt for the second group match against Saudi Arabia on 21 June
• Fermin Lopez is likely to miss the entire tournament after foot surgery
• Luis de la Fuente will announce his final squad on Monday 25 May

Spain manager Luis de la Fuente faces a major headache ahead of the World Cup in the United States. Barcelona teenage sensation Lamine Yamal is set to miss the national team’s opening fixture against Cape Verde.

The 18-year-old forward damaged his hamstring during a match against Espanyol last month. Medical staff now believe he cannot recover in time for the clash on 15 June. Sources suggest he may also sit out the second group game against Saudi Arabia five days later.

Yamal confirmed his status at a King’s League event this weekend. When asked if he would take a penalty for his team, he replied, “Not me. I am not touching a ball until the World Cup.”

The injury crisis deepens with Fermin Lopez almost certainly ruled out of the entire tournament. The midfielder underwent foot surgery following Barcelona’s victory over Real Betis. He was a key part of De la Fuente’s plans.

Fitness concerns also surround Nico Williams and Mikel Merino. Spain hope Yamal can return for their final group match against Uruguay on 26 June, or the knockout stages. De la Fuente names his squad next Monday.