By Abigail David

Spain head coach Luis de la Fuente has named teenage star Lamine Yamal among the substitutes for La Roja’s opening match of the 2026 FIFA World Cup against debutants Cape Verde on Monday.

The decision means the 18-year-old Barcelona forward will not start the Group H encounter at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, despite being declared fit ahead of the tournament opener.

Speaking before the match, De la Fuente assured reporters that Yamal had fully recovered from his recent injury setback, saying, “Lamine Yamal is in perfect condition.”

The decision to leave the youngster on the bench has sparked mixed reactions among football fans, with many viewing it as a cautious approach to managing his fitness during the competition.

Several supporters on social media backed the move, arguing that introducing Yamal later in the game could give Spain a significant advantage against tiring opponents while reducing the risk of aggravating his injury.

Spain enters the World Cup as one of the favourites after its UEFA Euro 2024 triumph, with Yamal emerging as one of the team’s brightest talents thanks to his pace, creativity and attacking flair.

Cape Verde, making its first-ever World Cup appearance, faces a difficult test against the European giants, who boast considerable squad depth even without Yamal in the starting lineup.

Attention will now turn to whether the young forward can make an impact off the bench as Spain begins its quest for World Cup glory.

By Abigail David

The United States government has warned foreign social media influencers and content creators that they could face deportation if they earn income while in the country on a tourist visa during the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

In a statement to Spanish news agency EFE, the U.S. Customs and Border Protection and the Department of Homeland Security said creating monetised content while visiting under a tourist programme constitutes work and requires the appropriate visa.

According to the agencies, the B-2 tourist visa permits travel for leisure, family visits and medical treatment but does not authorise paid employment or income-generating activities carried out in the United States.

The warning applies to creators who monetise content on platforms such as YouTube, TikTok, Instagram and Facebook. Authorities also noted that working for a media organisation while on a tourist visa is prohibited.

Officials cautioned that violations could lead to visa cancellation, deportation and restrictions on future travel to the US.

Immigration lawyer Alex Galvez said individuals who breach the conditions of their entry could lose their tourist visas, although some cases may be legally contested if payments are received outside the United States.

The advisory comes ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which will be co-hosted by the United States, Mexico and Canada and is expected to attract thousands of independent content creators.

The warning follows heightened immigration enforcement measures, including the detention and self-deportation of popular TikTok creator Khaby Lame in 2025 over an alleged visa overstay.

By Abigail David

Manchester United will conclude their pre-season preparations with a high-profile friendly against AC Milan in Wroclaw, Poland, on August 15, the Premier League club confirmed on Tuesday.

The fixture forms part of United’s extensive European tour ahead of the 2026/27 season as manager Michael Carrick aims to build on the club’s third-place finish in the previous campaign.

United begin their pre-season schedule against Wrexham in Helsinki on July 18 before travelling to Norway to face Rosenborg a week later. The team will then head to Sweden for matches against Atletico Madrid in Stockholm on August 1 and reigning European champions Paris Saint-Germain in Gothenburg on August 8.

The Red Devils will also take on long-time rivals Leeds United in Dublin on August 12 before rounding off their preparations against AC Milan three days later.

Manchester United director of football Jason Wilcox said the club was excited to end the tour in Poland, adding that the six-match schedule across five countries would provide valuable preparation for the new campaign while allowing the team to connect with supporters across Europe.