Athletic Bilbao’s Nico Williams warming up before a match against Atletico Madrid on April 25, 2026.
Spain’s World Cup preparations suffered another setback as midfielder Nico Williams was forced to leave Sunday’s La Liga match against Valencia due to an apparent left leg injury. The 23-year-old was substituted in the 36th minute, visibly upset, and later watched from the bench with an ice pack on his left hamstring as Valencia secured a 1-0 victory.
Williams has been a key figure for Spain, scoring six goals in 30 international appearances since 2022. This season for Athletic Club, he has contributed six goals and seven assists in 32 matches.
The injury comes as Spain already faces concerns over midfielder Lamine Yamal, who suffered a torn hamstring last month while playing for Barcelona.
Spain is placed in Group H for this summer’s World Cup in North America. They will open their campaign against Cape Verde on June 15 in Atlanta, face Saudi Arabia on June 21, and conclude group play against Uruguay on June 26 in Guadalajara, Mexico.
