The main concern for Spain regarding Lamine Yamal and the World Cup

The Spain National Football Team enters the upcoming FIFA World Cup as one of the tournament's most intriguing contenders, but the excitement surrounding the squad also comes with a growing concern: just how much responsibility is being placed on 18-year-old star Lamine Yamal.

Yamal has quickly become the creative engine of Spain's attack and one of the most dangerous young players in the world. His ability to break down packed defenses and produce moments of brilliance has made him essential to the team's offensive plans. Yet the sheer volume of minutes he continues to log at both club and international level has begun to raise questions among observers surrounding La Roja.

Despite only turning 18 this past July, Yamal already carries expectations typically reserved for seasoned veterans. When Spain faces stubborn defenses, he is often the player expected to create something out of nothing. His combination of pace, skill and confidence has turned him into what many around the program view as a human cheat code capable of unlocking nearly any back line.

A dependence that's becoming significant

That dependence could become even more significant once the World Cup begins in the United States. Spain arrives at the tournament widely viewed as one of the strongest teams in the field. In early power rankings compiled by international reporters, La Roja emerged as the near-unanimous No. 1 selection, collecting 15 of 21 first-place votes. The recognition reflects both their recent success and the depth of talent within the squad.

The team's triumph at UEFA Euro 2024 helped solidify their reputation as a modern powerhouse. Spain managed that run despite the absence of midfield anchor Rodri, the Ballon d'Or-winning playmaker who normally dictates the tempo of their midfield.

Still, questions remain about whether Spain can maintain that level of performance on the World Cup stage. One of the biggest issues surrounding the squad is its youth. While emerging stars such as Yamal, Pedri and Ferran Torres provide creativity and energy in attack, international tournaments are often decided by experienced players who know how to manage high-pressure moments.

Key decisions ahead for Spain

Spain's roster is packed with talent, but the source of that veteran presence is not entirely clear. Defensively, head coach Luis de la Fuente must still finalize key decisions. The battle for the center-back pairing remains unsettled, with several candidates competing for the starting spots. Dean Huijsen, Robin Le Normand, Aymeric Laporte and Pau Cubarsí are all in the mix as the coaching staff evaluates the best combination.

In goal, the expectation is that Unai Simón will start despite the excellent form shown by David Raya at Arsenal. Spain's path through the group stage appears manageable on paper. A group featuring Cape Verde national football team, Saudi Arabia national football team and Uruguay national football team should allow La Roja to advance without major difficulty.

The real test will come later in the tournament, when Spain inevitably encounters deeper and more experienced opponents capable of punishing mistakes. Before any of that begins, several important moments remain on the calendar. The final six spots in the World Cup field will be decided in the last week of March, with four European teams and two intercontinental playoff winners completing the bracket.