Spain tonight juggle a huge double injury blow as they face Austria in the World Cup round of 32.
Nico Williams, a scorer in the Euro 2024 final win over England, has been ruled out of the showdown at the Los Angeles Stadium after an injury sustained in the final Group H win over Uruguay jeopardised his involvement in the remainder of the tournament.
"Today is one of the worst days of my life," Williams said in a post on social media following the game. "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."
In addition to Williams, Crystal Palace attacking midfielder Yeremy Pino is also sidelined amid fears he suffered a fractured collarbone against Uruguay that would end his World Cup.
Neither player would have been in line for a start against Austria, meaning manager Luis de la Fuente had the option of resisting the temptation of making wholesale changes.
He has done just that, with La Roja are yet to concede a goal at this summer’s World Cup.
Dani Olmo replaces Arsenal’s Mikel Merino in midfield, joining Rodri and Pedri in the engine room.
Lamine Yamal and Mikel Oyarzabal start in attack, with Alex Baena benefitting once again from the absence of Williams once again by 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
