Spain have been dealt a significant setback ahead of their World Cup round of 32 match against Austria on Thursday, with Nico Williams and Yeremy Pino both ruled out due to injuries sustained in the final Group H victory over Uruguay.
Nico Williams' Emotional Statement
Williams, who scored in the Euro 2024 final win over England, took to social media to express his devastation. "Today is one of the worst days of my life," he wrote. "I'm injured again after a very complicated year, in which I fought many battles against a pubalgia, but won the war with sacrifice and most of all, responsibility. I overcame that injury, and then another one on my hamstring tested me again. Once more, I stopped smiling but I wasn't going to stop. Yesterday, I suffered another injury after a challenge by a fellow professional, driven by frustration, discontent, and sadness over his situation. It was a play that, in my opinion, could have been avoided because it was completely unnecessary."
Yeremy Pino's Fracture Fears
Crystal Palace attacking midfielder Yeremy Pino is also sidelined amid fears he suffered a fractured collarbone against Uruguay, an injury that could end his World Cup campaign. Neither player was expected to start against Austria, but their absences limit Spain's attacking options.
Spain's Predicted Lineup
Spain manager Luis de la Fuente may resist making wholesale changes. La Roja are yet to concede a goal in the tournament. Pau Cubarsi, Aymeric Laporte, and Marc Cucurella are mainstays in the back four in front of Unai Simon, while Pedro Porro and Marcos Llorente compete for the right-back spot. Dani Olmo and Fabian Ruiz are in contention to replace Arsenal's Mikel Merino in midfield alongside Rodri and Pedri. Lamine Yamal and Mikel Oyarzabal are expected to start in attack, with Alex Baena set to benefit from Williams' absence, keeping out Ferran Torres and Gavi.
Confirmed Team News
Injured: Nico Williams, Yeremy Pino
Doubts: None reported
Time and date: 8pm BST on Thursday, July 2, 2026
How to watch: BBC
Venue: Los Angeles Stadium
