Nico Williams - Soccer News, Rumors, & Updates | FOX Sports

Back with Athletic Club Williams is back at Athletic Club's training facilities to prepare for the new 2026/27 La Liga season, according to the club.

Impact Williams was limited by recurring groin issues for parts of last season, finishing with six goals and three assists across 25 LaLiga appearances. He capped his season with a strong contribution at the World Cup for Spain, providing the assist for Ferran Torres' decisive goal in the win over Argentina, part of a tournament in which he became an important piece as his fitness improved over the final matches. His return to club training now shifts focus to preseason preparations as he looks to build back toward full health heading into the new 2026/27 La Liga campaign.

AUGUST 10 • ROTOWIRE

Lamine Yamal and Nico Williams are enjoying every second 🇪🇸

Lamine Yamal and Nico Williams are enjoying every second 🇪🇸

JULY 21 • FOX SPORTS

This locker room celebration between Nico Williams and Lamine Yamal 😂

This locker room celebration between Nico Williams and Lamine Yamal 😂

JULY 20 • FOX SPORTS

Family over everything ❤️

Family over everything ❤️

JULY 20 • FOX SPORTS

Pure joy from Nico Williams and Lamine Yamal after winning the FIFA World Cup 🏆

Pure joy from Nico Williams and Lamine Yamal after winning the FIFA World Cup 🏆

JULY 19 • FOX SPORTS

NO GOAL FOR SPAIN!

NO GOAL FOR SPAIN!

JULY 19 • FOX SPORTS

Assists off bench in WC finale Williams assisted once to go with three shots (two on goal), five crosses (one accurate) and two corners in Sunday's 1-0 win versus Argentina.

Impact Williams gave a speed and dribbling boost to his team's attack after taking Alex Baena's place in the second half against Argentina. The Athletic Bilbao man missed a good chance but made up for it by heading a ball back for Ferran Torres to score the decisive goal in the 106th minute. Coming off a tricky groin injury, Williams struggled to regain fitness at the beginning of the World Cup, and his role increased gradually over the final contests, and the assist was his lone goal contribution in 108 minutes of play. At 24 years old, he's already an important part of Spanish football history with his participation in World Cup and European Championship titles, remaining an elite dribbler and playmaker ahead of future seasons.

JULY 19 • ROTOWIRE

Fit for quarterfinal Williams (groin) is fit for Friday's quarterfinal against Belgium, according to Diario SPORT.

Impact Williams was on the bench for Spain in the round of 16 but didn't play, still not completely fit. However, the winger now appears to be fully fit, leaving him to be an option for the starting XI in future games. That said, he could earn a starting role on the left wing of the attack as Spain advances in the tournament, as he was a major part of their Euro run in 2024.

JULY 9 • ROTOWIRE

Picked for bench Williams (groin) is on the bench for Monday's match against Portugal.

Impact Williams is back with the team as expected following a groin injury, fit enough to take a spot on the bench. This will give the Spanish team a very useful super-sub from the bench, likely to enter in the later stages of the match. If at his best, he could be a real danger to Portugal, especially in a tight contest that could see extra time.

JULY 6 • ROTOWIRE

Should be available Monday Williams (groin) trained fully with the Spain squad on Sunday in Dallas alongside all 26 players, putting him on course to be available for Monday's round of 16 clash against Portu...

Impact Williams had missed the round of 32 victory over Austria due to the adductor injury he suffered against Uruguay, but his return to collective training the day before the Portugal fixture is the clearest sign yet that he has recovered sufficiently to feature. That said, it is unlikely to see him start against the Portuguese, with Alex Baena as the likely option to begin on the left wing. Coach Luis de la Fuente now has his full squad available for what promises to be one of the most anticipated fixtures of the tournament.

JULY 5 • ROTOWIRE

Deemed discomfort, won't play Williams (groin) is out for Thursday's match against Austria, according to manager Luis de la Fuente, per Juan Ignacio Lechuga of El Desmarque. "Thank God, he is experiencing some...

Impact Williams was trending towards being out Thursday, and that will come to fruition, as his groin injury, which has been downgraded to discomfort, is still too much to play through. The good news is he is trending towards a return in the round of 16, so if Spain is to advance, he will be an option. It appears then they are just taking the cautious route to make sure he doesn't suffer a setback, having yet to start this tournament due to his injury concerns.

JULY 1 • ROTOWIRE

Likely unavailable Thursday Williams (groin) remains sidelined from training work due to his muscular injury and is expected to be ruled out for the World Cup round of 32 meeting with Austria, Diario de Navar...

Impact Williams hasn't reached the impact he could make for the Spanish national team as he continues to struggle with physical concerns, and he could be a major absence if he faces multiple games on the sidelines. He had previously recorded 46 minutes of play over three group clashes, failing to score or assist in that period. With the talented winger not fully fit, Alex Baena is projected to feature again on the left flank in upcoming action.

JUNE 30 • ROTOWIRE

Adductor muscle injury confirmed Williams (groin) has been diagnosed with a muscle injury in his right adductor following a heavy tackle during the match against Uruguay, according to Jose Luis Allegue of Marca.

Impact Williams left the stadium visibly affected and limping noticeably, with his availability for the remainder of the tournament now pending how the injury evolves. Though a return to action seems difficult to envision, the moderate grade of the injury does not entirely rule out his participation in the World Cup going forward. With Victor Munoz (strain) still a doubt, Alex Baena and Ferran Torres are expected to see larger roles in the front line for La Roja.

JUNE 29 • ROTOWIRE

Facing possible muscle injury Williams is thought to be dealing with a possible muscle injury following Friday's 1-0 win over Uruguay, according to manager Luis de la Fuente, per Jose Juis Allegue of Marca. "We...

Impact Williams is another concern for Spain after Yeremy Pino suffered an apparent broken collarbone, as Williams was also a part of the rough tackling by Uruguay to end the match. This is a major concern for the team as he heads into testing, as anything serious could knock him out of the remainder of the World Cup, as he was already dealing with muscle concerns before the tournament. If this is the case, the team will be less with limited options on the left of the attack. Victor Munoz (strain) is also injured, leaving either Alex Baena or Ferran Torres to start on the left.

JUNE 26 • ROTOWIRE

Plays from bench again Williams recorded two crosses in Sunday's 4-0 win over Saudi Arabia.

Impact Williams was brought onto the field from the bench once again after the same role in their opener, although he would appear for a bit longer with 29 minutes of play Sunday. He will now push for starting time in the group stage finale, one of Spain's standout players at Euro 2024.

JUNE 21 • ROTOWIRE

2026 World Cup: Are Nico Williams and Inaki Williams brothers? While Nico and Inaki Williams are suiting up for different national teams at the 2026 World Cup, they shared the pitch as longtime club team...

JUNE 17 • BOLAVIP.COM

Records four minutes of play Williams entered the field for three minutes in Monday's 0-0 draw against Cape Verde.

Impact Williams was held out much of Spain's opener, not featuring until the 87th minute as a substitute. The minimal time would lead him to minimal stats, not recording a single significant stat in his short time on the field. A starting role is something he will eye in their next contest, likely to replace Gavi on the flank.

JUNE 15 • ROTOWIRE

Available off the bench Williams (hamstring) is on the bench for Monday's World Cup opener against Cape Verde.

Impact Williams has been included in the squad after completing Saturday's training session with Spain, with the coaching staff opting to ease him back via the bench rather than hand him an immediate starting role despite the encouraging progress in his recovery from a hamstring injury. Gavi starts on the left flank in his place, though Williams' presence among the substitutes gives Spain a dynamic option to unleash during the match, with his pace, dribbling ability and creativity capable of causing problems for any defense once introduced. Before missing Athletic Club's final three La Liga fixtures, he had recorded two goals and one assist across five starts between April and May, and his gradual reintegration through game action should help him return to that level of influence as Spain look to navigate what is expected to be a favorable group-stage campaign.

JUNE 15 • ROTOWIRE

Involved in full training Williams (hamstring) has continued to make progress in his recovery, completing Saturday's practice with the Spanish national team, Alfredo Martinez of Onda Cero reports.

Impact Williams' return to full training represents a boost to his chances of appearing in the World Cup opener against Cape Verde, although he's not yet expected to start. Instead, he'll offer a quality backup option behind Alex Baena or Dani Olmo on the left flank. Before missing the final three games of the La Liga season, Williams posted two goals and an assist over a string of five starts for Athletic Bilbao between April and May. As soon as he's back on the field, he'll serve as an offensive threat with high dribbling and playmaking upside, playing for a national team that is expected to dominate in all of its group phase matches.

JUNE 13 • ROTOWIRE

Lamine Yamal Returns To Training With Spain Ahead Of World Cup Opener vs. Cabo Verde

Spain have received a significant fitness boost ahead of the 2026 World Cup with Lamine Yamal and Nico Williams returning to full training.

JUNE 12 • FOX SPORTS

Lamine Yamal Returns To Training With Spain Ahead Of World Cup Opener vs. Cabo Verde

Could feature in opener Williams (hamstring) is expected to be available for some minutes in Spain's World Cup opener against Cape Verde on Monday, with his recovery from his injury progressing within the...

Impact Williams had been confirmed with a two to three week absence after an MRI ruled out any tendon damage, and the positive update suggests he will be ready to contribute when Spain's tournament begins in Atlanta. Coach Luis de la Fuente is expected to manage his minutes carefully in the opener to avoid any risk of a setback, with the Athletic Club winger's explosive direct threat on the left flank a weapon Spain will be eager to deploy as the competition progresses.

JUNE 11 • ROTOWIRE

Rested in last friendly Williams (hamstring) is on track to be available for Spain's World Cup opener against Cape Verde on June 15 but will not travel to Puebla for the final pre-tournament friendly agai...

Impact Williams had been confirmed with a two to three week absence after an MRI ruled out any tendon damage following the hamstring injury he sustained against Valencia, and his progression within the expected timeline is a significant relief for Spain. The Athletic Club winger brings an explosive direct threat on Spain's left flank that is difficult to replicate with any other player in the squad, and manager De la Fuente will take no risks with his fitness ahead of the competition.

JUNE 8 • ROTOWIRE

Expected back for World Cup opener Williams (hamstring) was cleared of any serious damage following Monday's medical examinations, with an MRI ruling out a tendon lesion and confirming an absence of two to three wee...

Impact Williams had come off in the 35th minute of Sunday's clash against Valencia amid fears of a significant hamstring injury, but the results of further testing have provided a considerably more optimistic picture than initially feared. The winger will follow a progressive and rigorous rehabilitation program over the coming weeks, with the timeline suggesting he could be ready for Spain's first group stage match, though the coaching staff will not take any unnecessary risks with his fitness. Coach Luis De la Fuente had been prepared to wait until the second or third group stage fixture if needed, but the medical update opens the door for an earlier return. The ruling out of any tendon damage was the key concern for both Athletic Club and the Spanish national team following Sunday's exit, and the positive diagnosis is a major relief heading into the summer tournament.

MAY 11 • ROTOWIRE

Taken off in first half Williams was forced off the field in the 36th minute of Sunday's match against Valencia due to an apparent injury.

Impact Williams is worrying numerous fans around the Spanish National Team after his exit Sunday, coming off ahead of halftime due to an injury. With the World Cup just a few weeks away, this is a major storyline to watch for the player, as he broke at the last World Cup and might not be involved now if the injury is deemed serious. However, there is still some time to recover, and he has yet to be tested for further injury, so nothing is confirmed yet.

MAY 10 • ROTOWIRE

Involved in three goals in win Williams scored two goals and assisted once from four shots and one chance created in Saturday's 4-2 victory against Deportivo Alaves. In addition, he was given a yellow card in th...

Impact Williams was credited with the assist in Robert Navarro's goal early in the second half, but he'd later find the back of the net twice -- right when the team needed him the most. Williams gave Athletic a 3-2 lead with a clever finish after a one-two with Gorka Guruzeta in the 83rd minute, and he'd later close things out with a chipped finish four minutes later. This was Williams' first two-goal performance of the season, and he has nine goal contributions (G6, A3) in the 2025/26 Liga campaign.

MAY 5 • ROTOWIRE