Why Is Nico Williams Not Playing Today for Spain vs. Cape Verde at the World Cup?

Spain will play its first game of the 2026 World Cup against World Cup debutants Cape Verde at Atlanta Stadium.

Spain is among the favorites to win the World Cup after winning the 2024 Euros. Some of the Spanish players from the Euros are in the 2026 World Cup roster, including Nico Williams, but he will not play today.

Williams has been called up to the national team consistently, but last month, he suffered an injury that almost ruled him out for the World Cup.

The Athletic Bilbao winger recovered and even trained with the rest of the national team ahead of the match against Cape Verde today. Williams missed Spain's last two friendly matches to prepare for the World Cup.

Williams suffered a hamstring injury while playing for Athletic Bilbao against Valencia in La Liga.

Is Nico Williams Still Injured?

Spain head coach Luis de la Fuente confirmed that Nico Williams has recovered from his injury, but emphasized that the player cannot play a full 90 minutes during their opening World Cup match against Cape Verde.

Williams is on the bench and could potentially get minutes against Cape Verde, or could be completely rested for the next group stage match.

After Cape Verde, Spain will take on Saudi Arabia on June 21, 2026, at Atlanta Stadium.

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This story was originally published June 15, 2026 at 8:34 AM.