Nico Williams could return for Spain's World Cup 2026 quarter-final against Belgium today, providing a major fitness boost for the European champions. The Athletic Bilbao winger has been sidelined since suffering a groin injury in Spain's final group stage match, a 1-0 win over Uruguay.
Williams' Injury and Recovery
Williams has missed Spain's last two knockout matches: a 3-0 victory over Austria and a tense 1-0 win against Portugal, where Mikel Merino scored a late winner to end Cristiano Ronaldo's World Cup hopes. In his absence, Alex Baena has started on the left flank, while Ferran Torres impressed as a substitute against Portugal. Williams was seen training ahead of the Portugal game but did not feature. His fitness for the Belgium clash remains uncertain.
Other Injury Concerns
Crystal Palace forward Yeremy Pino is also a major doubt after injuring his shoulder against Uruguay. Otherwise, coach Luis de la Fuente has a fully fit squad and has kept his lineup consistent throughout the tournament.
Predicted Spain XI
Unai Simon remains the undisputed goalkeeper, ahead of Joan Garcia and David Raya. Pedro Porro starts at right-back, with Marcos Llorente as backup. Pau Cubarsi and Aymeric Laporte form the centre-back partnership, while Marc Cucurella completes the back four on the left. In midfield, Pedri partners Rodri in a double pivot, with Dani Olmo as the No. 10. Lamine Yamal starts on the right, Baena on the left, and Mikel Oyarzabal as the false nine.
Predicted Spain XI (4-2-3-1): Simon; Porro, Cubarsi, Laporte, Cucurella; Rodri, Pedri; Yamal, Olmo, Baena; Oyarzabal
Doubt: Williams
Injured: Pino
Match Details
Time and date: 8pm BST on Friday July 10, 2026
Venue: Los Angeles Stadium (SoFi Stadium)
How to watch: BBC One
