Spain face Austria in the World Cup round of 32 tonight without two key attacking players. Nico Williams, who scored in the Euro 2024 final win over England, has been ruled out after an injury sustained in the final Group H win over Uruguay. Crystal Palace midfielder Yeremy Pino is also sidelined amid fears of a fractured collarbone that could end his tournament.
Williams speaks out on injury
Williams took to social media to express his devastation. "Today is one of the worst days of my life," he said. "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."
Spain lineup unchanged despite absences
Neither Williams nor Pino were expected to start against Austria, so manager Luis de la Fuente has kept changes to a minimum. Spain have yet to concede a goal at this World Cup. Dani Olmo replaces Arsenal's Mikel Merino in midfield, joining Rodri and Pedri. Lamine Yamal and Mikel Oyarzabal start in attack, with Alex Baena once again benefiting from Williams' absence, keeping out Ferran Torres and Gavi.
Spain XI: Simon; Porro, Cubarsi, Laporte, Cucurella; Rodri, Pedri, Olmo; Yamal, Baena; Oyarzabal
Injured: Williams, Pino
Time and date: 8pm BST on Thursday, July 2, 2026
How to watch: BBC
Venue: Los Angeles Stadium
