Spain coach Luis de la Fuente has moved to reassure supporters over the fitness of winger Nico Williams, saying he expects the forward to recover in time for the 2026 FIFA World Cup after suffering an injury while playing for Athletic Bilbao.
The 22-year-old was injured during Athletic Bilbao’s La Liga match against Valencia CF on Sunday at San Mames. Williams was forced to leave the pitch during the game, and the injury is expected to keep him out for the remainder of Bilbao’s domestic season.
His absence is considered a significant setback for the club, with the winger having played an influential role in Athletic Bilbao’s attacking performances throughout the campaign. Williams, who has Ghanaian roots, has been one of the team’s standout players this season and an important figure in their forward line.
Despite concerns surrounding the injury, De la Fuente expressed confidence that the player would recover in time for Spain’s World Cup campaign next year. The Spain head coach also provided positive updates on the fitness of Lamine Yamal and Mikel Merino ahead of the tournament.
“I believe we will have Lamine, Nico and Merino available for the opening match and if not, they should be ready for the second or third game,” he told Europa Press.
Spain are preparing for the expanded 48-team FIFA World Cup, which is scheduled to take place from 11 June to 19 July 2026. The tournament will mark the first edition of the competition to feature 48 nations, increasing the number of teams involved from the previous 32-team format.
De la Fuente’s comments are likely to provide encouragement for Spain supporters, particularly given the importance of Williams to the national side’s attacking plans. The winger has emerged as one of Spain’s brightest young talents in recent years and is widely expected to play a key role at the tournament if fully fit.
Spain have been placed in Group H for the competition, where they are set to face Saudi Arabia, Cape Verde and Uruguay in the group stage.
The injury concern surrounding Williams comes at a difficult moment for Athletic Bilbao, with the club entering the final stages of their domestic season without one of their most dangerous attacking players. His pace and creativity have been central to the side’s performances, making his absence a considerable loss for the remainder of the campaign.
However, Spain’s coaching staff appear optimistic that the winger’s recovery will be completed in time for the World Cup. De la Fuente’s remarks suggest the national team expects several injured players to return during the early stages of the tournament, even if they are not immediately available for the opening fixture.
For now, Spain will continue monitoring the progress of Williams, Yamal and Merino as preparations intensify for one of the most anticipated World Cups in the competition’s history.
