Spain's winger Nico Williams sidelined by injury ahead of World Cup match vs Austria

Spain's Athletic Bilbao winger Nico Williams suffered a groin/adductor injury after being fouled in the 1‑0 group‑stage win over Uruguay at the 2026 World Cup. He described the incident as "one of the worst days of my life" and said he would not be available for the upcoming Round of 16 match against Austria.

National team coach Luis de la Fuente called the setback a "minor problem" and said Williams is unlikely to play tomorrow but could return for later games if he recovers. Teammate Marcos Llorente said the squad is rallying around the 23‑year‑old, helping him cope emotionally with another injury setback after a year marred by muscle problems. The team will have to cope without Williams and fellow winger Yeremy Pino, who is also nursing an injury, as Spain prepares for the knockout stage.

Williams has endured a difficult season with multiple muscular issues, including a long‑standing pubalgia, and has expressed strong desire to help Spain despite the risks of rushing back.