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.

What Spain loses if these two are out

Williams in particular has been one of the most exciting wide forwards in European football over the past two seasons. His brother, Inaki Williams, plays for Ghana.

Pino, who made the move to Crystal Palace, brings a different set of qualities. Losing him for the full tournament removes a reliable high-intensity option from De la Fuente’s wide areas.

It is worth noting that Williams had been managing a pre-existing issue before the tournament began. Lamine Yamal, Spain’s teenage prodigy, had also been navigating fitness concerns heading into the competition.

Spain’s depth does not evaporate here. Lamine Yamal and Ferran Torres are both available and both capable of operating at the level this tournament demands.

What comes next for Spain

Spain’s Round of 16 opponent will be either Austria or Algeria, depending on how that group resolves.

For Pino, the realistic scenario is that his tournament is over. Spain will almost certainly need to decide whether to call up a replacement from outside the current squad.