Athletic Bilbao’s Nico Williams warming up before a match against Atletico Madrid on April 25, 2026.
Spanish winger Nico Williams is anticipated to be ready for next month’s World Cup, despite sustaining a hamstring injury during Athletic Club’s 1-0 defeat to Valencia on Sunday, according to a report from The Athletic. The 23-year-old left the pitch in visible discomfort after the injury occurred, but the report suggests he will only be sidelined for approximately three weeks.
Athletic Club confirmed in a statement that Williams suffered a “moderate hamstring strain in his left leg,” which will cause him to miss the team’s remaining three regular-season matches. With three weeks to recover, he is expected to be available for Spain’s first World Cup preparation friendly against Iraq on June 4. Spain’s World Cup campaign begins on June 15 against Cape Verde in Group H.
Spain, who won their first World Cup in 2010, are considered strong contenders for this summer’s historic 48-team tournament in North America. They currently sit second in the FIFA/Coca-Cola World Rankings, behind France.
Williams made his senior debut for Spain in September 2022 at age 20 and has since scored six goals in 30 appearances, including two during Spain’s victorious run at the 2024 UEFA European Championship. This season, he has recorded six goals and seven assists in 32 games for Athletic Club.
Spain also faces concerns over midfielder Lamine Yamal, who suffered a torn hamstring last month while playing for Barcelona.
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