Spain head into their 2026 FIFA World Cup Round-of-32 clash against Austria in Los Angeles on 2 July without wide players Nico Williams and Yeremy Pino, but with rising confidence in teenager Lamine Yamal, who is steadily reclaiming his best form after a serious hamstring injury.

Williams and Pino Ruled Out

Both absences trace back to Spain's bruising final group-stage match against Uruguay. Williams sustained a groin injury after a heavy challenge from Nicolas de la Cruz, while Pino suffered a shoulder injury from a separate reckless tackle. Although neither injury is as severe as initially feared, both players will miss the Austria fixture and remain doubts for a potential last-16 tie — a significant blow to coach Luis de la Fuente, who has relied on the pair's pace and directness on the flanks.

Williams addressed his situation on social media, describing it as the 'worst day' of his life. However, tests subsequently confirmed he has not suffered a torn muscle, and there is a realistic possibility he could return in the last-16 or quarter-finals if Spain advance.

Yamal's Fitness Curve Is Encouraging

The brightest development for Spain has been the measured return of Lamine Yamal. The Barcelona winger has progressively increased his minutes across the group stage — 19 minutes against Cabo Verde, a decisive 45 minutes against Saudi Arabia, and 76 minutes against Uruguay — as he works his way back from the hamstring injury he sustained at the end of last season. With Williams and Pino sidelined, Yamal's growing availability is a timely boost.

In their place, Alex Baena is expected to start on the left wing after scoring the decisive goal against Uruguay, giving De la Fuente a ready-made option to fill the void.

De la Fuente's Likely XI Against Austria

Spain's defensive record — yet to concede a goal at this World Cup — gives De la Fuente reason to retain his back line. Aymeric Laporte and Pau Cubarsi are set to continue as the central defensive partnership, with Marcos Llorente and Marc Cucurella as fullbacks behind the composed Unai Simón in goal.

The midfield picks itself: Pedri, Rodri, Hernandez, and Fabian Ruiz form one of the most technically gifted quartets at the tournament, with Mikel Merino — himself returning to full fitness — providing depth. Winger Victor Munoz, who had been managing a calf injury, is reportedly available and can offer additional pace from the flanks if required.

De la Fuente and Llorente on Squad Morale

Speaking on Spanish state broadcaster RTVE, De la Fuente revealed he personally addressed Williams after seeing the winger's emotional social media message. 'I went to talk to him and gave him my opinion,' the coach said. 'I spoke to him about perseverance, about overcoming problems and suffering, because you have to be used to this kind of moment — and I told him he was prepared.'

De la Fuente added that the conversation produced a visible shift: 'It helped to change his attitude completely, and if you speak to him now, he will tell you things that are very different from that moment when he was really down.'

Fullback Llorente echoed the coach's confidence in the squad's collective resilience. 'It's a difficult moment for Nico and Yeremy, but they're already handling it better. The group is very important to us, and if we go far, they can help us. We have confidence in ourselves,' he told reporters.

Spain's depth and defensive solidity make them strong favourites against Austria, and how far Yamal can be pushed over the coming rounds could prove the defining subplot of their World Cup campaign.