Spain XI vs Portugal: Predicted lineup, confirmed team news, injury latest for World Cup 2026 today | OneFootball

Nico Williams pushing to return in massive last-16 clash between neighbours

Nico Williams and Yeremy Pino could return for Spain as they face rivals Portugal today for a place in the World Cup 2026 quarter-finals.

La Roja cruised to a 3-0 win over Austria in the round of 32, but have still been carrying two injuries from the group stage victory over Uruguay.

Williams suffered a groin issue in that feisty 1-0 triumph in Mexico, while Pino sustained a sprain to his shoulder ligaments.

A team statement released post-match read: “Both injuries are of moderate severity, and their recovery progress will determine their availability.”

Head coach Luis de la Fuente feared that both players were in danger of missing the rest of the tournament, while Williams described his re-injury as “one of the worst days of my life”.

De la Fuente will have been frustrated to remain without Williams, one of the stars of Spain’s run to Euro 2024 glory in Germany two summers ago, and a quality rotation option in Crystal Palace’s Pino.

Both players were pictured back in Spain training on Sunday, but it remains to be seen if either will be deemed fit enough for involvement.

Wide threats: Spain trio Yeremy Pino, Lamine Yamal and Nico Williams

AFP/Getty

Barcelona superstar Lamine Yamal and Atletico Madrid’s Alex Baena should keep their places on the flanks against Portugal, with Mikel Oyarzabal through the middle.

The Real Sociedad striker has as many goals as he does appearances so far at this World Cup.

De La Fuente seems to have settled on a firm back five, with Marc Cucurella and Pedro Porro lining up either side of Pau Cubarsi and Aymeric Laporte. Unai Simon will keep his place in goal.

There may be a change in midfield after Dani Olmo and Pedri both struggled to impose themselves against Austria, with Fabian Ruiz waiting in the wings to step up if required, alongside Rodri.