Spain beat Uruguay 1-0 on June 26 to top Group H at the 2026 FIFA World Cup in Guadalajara, Mexico. The win secured their place in the Round of 16. The cost, though, was immediate and visible.
Two of their most dynamic attacking options, Nico Williams of Athletic Club and Yeremy Pino of Crystal Palace, both came off as substitutes in the second half and picked up injuries in the process. Spain’s coaching staff confirmed both players would remain with the squad rather than return to their clubs, holding out hope that one or both could recover in time to contribute later in the tournament.
What we know about the injuries
Pino’s outlook is the grimmer of the two. Coach Luis de la Fuente confirmed that the winger sustained what appears to be a serious collarbone injury, described as a likely fracture or rupture. Pino is expected to miss the remainder of the tournament.
Williams revealed a groin injury after the match, but the full picture is still forming. Diagnostic testing was still pending, meaning Spain’s medical team did not yet have a clear read on the extent of the damage.
