Spain Lineup vs. Austria: Is Nico Williams Playing Today?

Spain will face Austria on Thursday, July 2, in the FIFA World Cup Round of 32 at Los Angeles Stadium (SoFi Stadium) in Inglewood, California.

After a slow start to the tournament, Spain has found its rhythm. A surprising 0-0 draw against Cape Verde was followed by a commanding 4-0 win over Saudi Arabia before La Roja secured another victory against Uruguay to book a place in the knockout stage. 

They also head into the match having kept three consecutive clean sheets and are unbeaten in 34 matches dating back to March 2023.

“This squad is used to breaking records and overcoming rough patches; we are determined to keep moving forward,” Spain head coach Luis de la Fuente said on Wednesday expressing his confidence in the players.

Meanwhile, Austria advanced to the knockout stage after finishing second in its group. Das Team opened with a win over Jordan before falling to Argentina and earning a draw against Algeria. 

The second-place finish also ended a 72-year wait for a return to the World Cup knockout rounds, with Austria having failed to progress beyond the group stage since the 1954 tournament.

The winner will advance to the Round of 16, where Portugal or Croatia awaits.

Spain vs. Austria Expected Lineup

Spain:

• Goalkeeper: Simon
• Defenders: Llorente, Cubarsi, Laporte, Cucurella
• Midfielders: Merino, Rodri, Pedri
• Forwards: Yamal, Oyarzabal, Baena

Austria:

• Goalkeeper:  A. Schlager
• Defenders: Posch, Lienhart, Alaba, Mwene
• Midfielders: Siewald, X. Schlager; Laimer, Schmid, Sabitzer
• Forward: Arnautovic

Is Nico Williams Playing Against Austria?

Spain will have to face Austria without one of their fastest and most creative wingers

La Roja will be without Nico Williams for its Round of 32 showdown against Austria after the Athletic Club winger was ruled out with a right adductor muscle injury.