Lamine Yamal has been withdrawn from Spain’s squad for their upcoming 2026 World Cup qualifying matches after receiving an unexpected medical procedure, the Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) confirmed on Tuesday.
The federation expressed its “surprise and upset” after discovering that the 18-year-old Barcelona forward had undergone an invasive radiofrequency procedure earlier on Monday to address persistent pubic discomfort.
According to the RFEF’s statement, the treatment was carried out without notifying the national team’s medical staff, who only became aware of it through a medical report received later that evening.
“The procedure was performed without prior notification to the national team’s medical staff, who only learned of the details through a report received last night,” the statement read.
Medical experts advised a recovery period of seven to ten days following the treatment. As a result, the federation decided to release Yamal from the current squad to prioritise his “health, safety and well-being”.
The teenager has been struggling with a recurring groin injury in recent weeks and also missed Spain’s last round of qualifiers in October.
Spain currently lead Group E with a perfect record after four matches and can secure qualification for the 2026 World Cup, to be held in the United States, Canada and Mexico during the next two fixtures.
Luis de la Fuente’s side will face Georgia on Saturday in Tbilisi, before hosting Turkey in Seville on 18 november.
