Know how to pray? Ronald Araujo tells Uruguay to brace for Barcelona prodigy Lamine Yamal at World Cup 2026

Montevideo — When Uruguay’s Ronald Araujo was asked how his national team should prepare for Spain’s teenage sensation Lamine Yamal at next summer’s World Cup, the Barcelona centre-back offered a mix of reverence and resolve: “If they know how to pray? They better!”

The two club-mates will trade Blaugrana colours for international combat on 8 July 2026 in Group H, and Araujo, speaking to AUF TV, made it clear Yamal’s training-ground brilliance is no fluke.

“Yes, he will do the same thing that he does on the pitch; he shows it every day in training,” Araujo said. “We have great players too, so perhaps we can spread out and not play 1 vs 1 because he is so decisive. We have the tools to try and counteract him.”

Spain arrive among the tournament favourites, drawn alongside Cape Verde and Saudi Arabia, but Uruguay’s defensive leader believes the tie is there for the taking. “I’ve joked with my Barça team-mates not to relax or we will hit you,” he added. “Jokes aside, they are a great rival. They have great players and are very difficult to beat, but we also have a great team, so it is going to be a beautiful match.”