Spain launch their 2026 World Cup campaign against Cape Verde on Monday, with 18-year-old sensation Lamine Yamal poised for his tournament bow against veteran goalkeeper Vozinha, who debuts at the age of 40.
The Spain national team begins its journey at the 2026 World Cup with expectations at fever pitch. Luis de la Fuente’s squad, which strikes a fine balance between youthful exuberance and seasoned experience, is under the spotlight—none more so than Lamine Yamal, who is primed to make his World Cup debut.
The Barcelona starlet has returned to full training with the rest of ‘La Roja’, and De la Fuente has suggested that he is ready to feature, whether from the opening whistle or as an impact sub. At 18 years and 334 days old, the winger is set to tick the world’s biggest international tournament off his list.
He will not be the only one making a tournament bow that evening. Lining up in the opposite goal will likely be Vozinha. The veteran Cape Verde goalkeeper, currently playing for Portuguese side Chaves, will also experience his first World Cup. However, at 40 years and 11 days old, he is 21 years and 40 days the senior of the Spanish star.
In fact, Vozinha is one of only seven players aged 40 or over called up for this edition of the tournament. The others, in ascending order of age, are: Manuel Neuer (40 years and 77 days), Edin Dzeko (40 years and 87 days), Luka Modric (40 years and 276 days), Guillermo Ochoa (40 years and 334 days), Cristiano Ronaldo (41 years and 127 days), and Craig Gordon (43 years and 163 days).
As for the youngest participants, Lamine Yamal features on a list led by Gilberto Mora at 17 years and 241 days, which also includes the likes of Ibrahim Mbaye (18 years and 139 days), Hamza Abdelkarim (18 years and 139 days), and Hugo Sochurek (18 years and 5 days).
