9 Days to Go: Squads Locked, Yamal Fit, and the World Cup is Very Real Now

Today is the day

June 2. FIFA's squad submission deadline for all 48 teams. By midnight, every nation has to commit to their 26 players. No more "we're monitoring the situation." The tournament is locking into place.

And the biggest news of the morning? Lamine Yamal is fine.

Spain's 18-year-old wunderkind had scared half of Europe with a hamstring injury in late April. Odds swung. Group chats panicked. For a few days it genuinely looked like the most exciting young player in world football might miss the whole thing. But coach De la Fuente said it straight: Yamal will be in "perfect condition" for Spain's opener against Cape Verde on June 15. He was back on the grass this week, ball at feet. The markets reacted fast — Spain is back to solo favourite at around +475.

Meanwhile, Germany made their big announcement too. Julian Nagelsmann named his 26-player squad, and the headline writes itself: Manuel Neuer is back. Two years after announcing his international retirement, the Bayern giant returns as the undisputed number one. Germany opens against Curaçao on June 14.

Austria submitted their squad too — Rangnick went with 14 Bundesliga-based players, confirmed Paul Wanner, and flew to the USA with three wins from three warm-ups. More on that chaotic final friendly just below.

The numbers right now, for your tipping reference

• Spain: ~17% (solo fave, Yamal fit)
• France: ~17% (co-leader, Mbappé clinical)
• England: ~12% (Kane and the depth)
• Germany: next tier, boosted by Nations League form
• Morocco / Switzerland: quietly shortening — the underdogs worth watching

Nine days. The Estadio Azteca on June 11. Mexico vs South Africa. It starts whether we're ready or not.

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