Spain could be without Nico Williams once again when they face Belgium in the World Cup quarter-finals on Friday. The European champions have been missing their star left winger since the 1-0 win over Uruguay, when the forward suffered an abductor injury.
Williams' Injury and Recent Matches
It has kept him out of Spain's last two knockout matches, where they beat Austria 3-0 and Portugal 1-0, with Mikel Merino netting a late winner in the latter against their Iberian rivals to shatter Cristiano Ronaldo's hopes of a last hurrah on the global stage. As such, Alex Baena has slotted in on the left flank under Luis de la Fuente, although Ferran Torres was introduced off the flank against Portugal and was lauded for his impact.
Williams, however, was pictured in training ahead of Spain's game against Portugal, although he did not feature at all in Arlington, Texas. It remains to be seen whether he will be considered fit enough to play any part here. Crystal Palace forward Yeremy Pino is also a major concern after he fractured his collarbone.
Predicted Lineup and Team News
Otherwise, De La Fuente is at full strength, and he has kept his side relatively untouched throughout the competition so far. Unai Simon is his undisputed No1, despite Joan Garcia and David Raya also contending for the starting berth. At right-back, Pedro Porro is the first choice with Marcos Llorente deputising, while Pau Cubarsi and Aymeric Laporte are his go-tos at centre-half. Former Chelsea defender Marc Cucurella completes the back four.
Pedri is alongside Rodri in the midfield double pivot, with Dani Olmo operating as the No10, Lamine Yamal off the right, and Baena on the left, supporting the false nine Mikel Oyarzabal.
Predicted Spain XI (4-2-3-1): Simon; Porro, Cubarsi, Laporte, Cucurella; Rodri, Pedri; Yamal, Olmo, Baena; Oyarzabal
Match Details
Doubt: Williams
Injured: Pino
Date and time: 8pm BST on Friday, July 10 2026
Venue: SoFi Stadium, California
How to watch: BBC
