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2026.07.17 12:42 GMT+8

Yamal and Porro train separately as Spain prepares for World Cup final

Updated 2026.07.17 12:42 GMT+8
Sports Scene

Spain players Lamine Yamal (L) and Pedro Porro talk to each other during a training session ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup final against Argentina in Hanover, New Jersey, July 16, 2026. /VCG

Eyeing a second World Cup title, Spain is aiming to ensure that its best players are at full fitness ahead of Sunday's final showdown with Argentina. 

Lamine Yamal and Pedro Porro were given individual training programs during La Roja's first session in New Jersey in front of media on Thursday, with the team taking a cautious approach after a clinical semifinal victory over France. Both players are expected to be available for Sunday's title deciding match.

Yamal, who has faced injury issues in the tournament, played the entire semifinal against Les Bleus, while Porro started at right-back and featured for 84 minutes before being replaced amidst a muscle strain.

Porro's condition has attracted more attention after Spain coach Luis de la Fuente described the defender's issue as muscle overload and said the medical team would continue evaluating him before the final. The separate training work, however, was considered part of Spain's effort to manage player fatigue rather than a sign of a major injury.

Spain players train during a session ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup final against Argentina in Hanover, New Jersey, July 16, 2026. /VCG

Yamal has been central to Spain's push for a second World Cup crown. The Barcelona star has accumulated 496 minutes at the tournament and has started every match he has played, except Spain's group-stage fixture against Cabo Verde.

De la Fuente played down concerns over the teenager's fitness after the semifinal, saying: "As far as I know, Lamine doesn't have a serious injury. I've just spoken with the medical staff, and everything looks positive."

Porro's tournament has also been a breakthrough story. The Tottenham defender was chosen to start at right-back for the European Champions ahead of Marcos Llorente and has featured in five of his nation's seven matches. He has scored twice during the competition, including goals against Austria in the round of 32 and against two-time Champion France in the semifinal.

Spain's final preparations have also taken place under unusual circumstances, with smoke from Canadian wildfires affecting air quality in northeastern United States. The weather forecast calls for rain before the final, which is expected to help improve conditions in New Jersey.

La Roja will face defending champion Argentina on Sunday at the 82,500 capacity Metlife Stadium as they seek their second World Cup title. Meanwhile, Argentina is aiming to become the first team since Brazil in 1962 to successfully defend football's ultimate prize. 

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