Spain's World Cup semi-final lineup omission ignites fan backlash

Spain's national team entered the FIFA World Cup semi‑final against France in Dallas without winger Nico Williams in the starting eleven. Williams, who missed the Round of 32 and Round of 16 due to a pubalgia‑related hamstring injury, had only made a brief substitute appearance in the quarter‑final win over Belgium. Coach Luis de la Fuente also left Pedri on the bench, prompting a wave of criticism on social media, with fans posting messages such as “No Nico and no Pedri it might be over” and “Spain is so unserious, this is nonsense.”

De la Fuente responded on X, quoting Julius Caesar and declaring Spain “ready to go to war” ahead of the match. Spain’s tournament record includes a 0‑0 draw with Cabo Verde, victories over Austria (3‑0), Portugal (1‑0) and Belgium (2‑1), scoring 11 goals while conceding just one.

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