Spain’s football federation (RFEF) has released 18-year-old Lamine Yamal from the national squad ahead of their 2026 World Cup qualifiers after discovering he underwent a medical procedure without prior notice.
The Barcelona winger had been expected to report for international duty on Monday, but the RFEF’s medical team was “surprised and upset” to learn that Yamal had undergone an invasive radiofrequency treatment that same morning to address ongoing pubic discomfort.
“This 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 federation said in a statement.
The recovery period for the treatment is typically seven to ten days, prompting Spain to release Yamal to focus on his “health, safety and well-being.”
Yamal has struggled with a groin injury in recent weeks and missed Spain’s October qualifiers for the same reason.
Spain, who top Group E with a perfect record from four games, can secure their place at the 2026 World Cup with positive results against Georgia in Tbilisi on Saturday and Turkey in Seville on November 18.
