Yamal closing in on return ahead of Iraq's World Cup opener

Lamine Yamal is closing in on a return from his hamstring injury, and Spain assistant coach Aitor Karanka says the recovery is progressing well. "It's up to the doctors and Luis," Karanka said, leaving the final decision on Yamal's availability to head coach Luis de la Fuente (1). The timing matters directly for Iraq, who face Spain in the World Cup group stage – and a fit Yamal would sharpen one of the tournament's most dangerous attacks just as Iraq prepare for their historic debut.