Nico Williams turned into one of Spain’s main absences in the starting lineup to face Portugal in the 2026 World Cup Round of 16. Spain faces Portugal on Monday, July 7th, in the Round of 16 at Dallas Stadium with a quarterfinal spot on the line. Despite expectations that Luis de la Fuente would field his strongest side, Nico Williams is notably absent from the starting lineup.
Williams has been left out of the starting XI as a precautionary measure. The Athletic Club winger recently returned from a muscle injury sustained during the group stage against Uruguay, and De la Fuente is unwilling to rush him back into the thick of things against such a demanding opponent.
Instead, Spain will line up the same way they did against Austria, the match in which Williams did not feature at all. Álex Baena gets the nod on the left flank, with Lamine Yamal on the right, Dani Olmo operating as the attacking midfielder, and Mikel Oyarzabal leading the line up front.
*Developing story…