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Spain’s men’s soccer team did not have the start to the 2026 World Cup that it wanted.

The club entered the tournament as one of the favorites to win because it boasts one of the world’s most talented rosters. But talent doesn’t always equate to goals or wins, which was shown by the fact that Spain suffered a 0-0 draw against Cape Verde during their first group-stage match.

Spain’s World Cup run is far from over, however, and there’s still plenty of time for this high-powered offense to find its flow. And if they’re going to do so, they’ll need 18-year-old phenom Lamine Yamal to find his form.


  Lamine Yamal and Spain are set to play a World Cup match Sunday. Getty Images Lamine Yamal and Spain are set to play a World Cup match Sunday. Getty Images

Unfortunately, Yamal will need to find his fitness first, as he’s still working his way back to 100% from a hamstring injury he suffered before the World Cup began. He entered Spain’s first game in the 71st minute and wasn’t able to turn the tide in his team’s favor.

It’s unlikely that Yamal will start in Spain’s second group-stage game against Saudi Arabia on June 21. But he should be able to play more than he did against Cape Verde and could perhaps score his first World Cup goal.

Yamal’s girlfriend, 21-year-old influencer Ines Garcia, is hoping for something to cheer about. But she’ll support him regardless, just as she did with her outfit before Spain’s first World Cup game.


  Ines Garcia is a 21-year-old influencer. Instagram/ineesgaarcia Ines Garcia is a 21-year-old influencer. Instagram/ineesgaarcia
Instagram/ineesgaarciaInstagram/ineesgaarcia

Garcia made an Instagram post showing several photos of her wearing a Yamal No. 19 Spain jersey earlier this week. The post was captioned, “❤️🇪🇸🤞🏾🫱🏾‍🫲🏽😍”.

Garcia, along with all of Spain’s other soccer fans, will hope to see fireworks from Yamal on June 21.

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