Athletic Bilbao: Breaking News, Rumors & Highlights

Analysis: Spain must find their rhythm or play to a different one after Austria test

“We’re the only national team that are required to play well as well as win,” says Lamine Yamal, the 18-year-old face of Spain’s World Cup challenge, ageing faster than the passage of time if he is to be believed.

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Spain manager ‘more optimistic every day’, gives injury update on Liverpool’s Victor Munoz

Spain manager Luis de la Fuente has maintained his steadfast optimism about his side’s chances of lifting the 2026 World Cup this month, ahead of their clash with Austria on Thursday night.

Soccer News / Field Level Media / July 1

Spain try to live up to expectations against undeterred Austria

Spain will try to win their first knockout match at a World Cup since capturing the 2010 title when they face an Austrian side that should be unmoved by high-quality European opposition.

Soccer News / Caught Offside / June 29

Spain given minor reprieve on disastrous double-injury blow

Spain may yet see Yeremy Pino and Nico Williams in action again before the end of the World Cup, although neither player is expected to be back in the coming rounds.

Lionel Messi News / Yardbarker Quizzes

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FIFA World Cup News

Former referee sounds off on controversial Folarin Balogun red card

Mauricio Pochettino fumes over red card, USMNT learns Folarin Balogun's fate for Belgium game

'Bogus' - Why USMNT can't appeal Folarin Balogun's controversial red card in World Cup win over Bosnia & Herzegovina as Christian Pulisic sends 'got your back' message to teammate

Harry Kane is world-class - but England have NO chance of World Cup glory if performances don't improve quickly: Winners and losers as Thomas Tuchel's substitutions prove crucial in DR Congo comeback after another slow start

Athletic Bilbao News / ESPN / June 27

Spain's Williams on injury: One of my worst days

Spain winger Nico Williams said he had suffered "one of the worst days of my life" after an injury against Uruguay on Friday jeopardized his future participation in the World Cup.

Nico Williams News / Athlon Sports / June 27

Nico Williams Injury Update: Spain Dealt Unfortunate News Before Round of 32 Clash

Spain secured top spot in Group H on Friday with a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Uruguay, finishing ahead of Cape Verde and booking a place in the FIFA World Cup Round of 32.

Soccer News / Caught Offside / June 27

Spain manager fumes over officiating in Uruguay win: 'Hopefully we can play normal games from here'

The officiating at the FIFA World Cup is coming under increasing scrutiny over the past week, following a series of strange decisions, and a general impunity towards physical play.

Athletic Bilbao News / ESPN / June 27

Spain win group but could lose Pino for rest of WC...

Spain coach Luis de la Fuente has confirmed that the team's qualification for the World Cup knockout stage -- topping Group H after a 1-0 win over Uruguay -- came at a cost, with injury concerns over wingers Nico Williams and Yéremy Pino.

Soccer News / Field Level Media / June 26

Spain eke out win to finish atop Group H, eliminate Uruguay

Alex Baena scored in the 42nd minute as Spain topped Uruguay 1-0 to capture the top spot in Group H of the World Cup on Friday in Zapopan, Mexico. In a

Soccer News / Soccer on ClutchPoints / June 24

World Cup 2026 power rankings after 2nd round of Group Stage

The World Cup 2026 Group Stage is coming to an end. After Wednesday’s slate of matches, all 48 teams had played two games. That means it is time for another round of ClutchPoints’ World Cup 2026 power rankings, where we go through the top-10 teams of the tournament as it stands now.

Athletic Bilbao News / Essential Football / June 23

5 MUST-WATCH World Cup Matches This Week – Including Kick Off Times

The World Cup is just getting into full swing right now. We’re just over halfway through the group stage – we have already seen some scintillating games and some shocking scorelines.

Lamine Yamal News / Athlon Sports / June 19

Lamine Yamal Issues Promise to Spain Fans Before Saudi Arabia Game

Spain walked away from their World Cup opener with more questions than answers. A scoreless draw against Cape Verde on June 15 wasn't the start anyone

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Soccer News / Essential Football / June 16

Spain Player Ratings Vs Cape Verde in Major World Cup Shock Draw

To say that Spain’s 2026 World Cup campaign got off to a disappointing start would be an enormous understatement. Going into their opening group game against Cape Verde, La Roja were expected to win by a wide margin – instead, they drew 0-0 with the World Cup debutants.

Soccer News / Caught Offside / June 16

Spain manager after Cape Verde shock: 'We have to continue with the same idea'

Spain manager Luis de la Fuente has claimed that it is time to double down rather than react with changes to their shock draw against Cape Verde on Monday night.

Athletic Bilbao News / Soccer on ClutchPoints / June 16

Spain panic meter shouldn’t be through the roof after shocking World Cup opener

Relax. The sky is not falling just yet for the European champions. Of course, the overreaction machine always works overtime during the FIFA World Cup.

Lamine Yamal News / Athlon Sports / June 15

Spain Coach Backs Call to Leave Lamine Yamal on Bench vs Cape Verde

Luis de la Fuente has defended his decision to leave Lamine Yamal out of Spain national team’s starting lineup after their World Cup campaign began with a frustrating 0-0 draw against the Cape Verde national team.

Soccer News / Outlook India / June 15

Cape Verde Stun Spain In Their Maiden World Cup Match With A Goalless Draw

A goalless draw against debutants Cape Verde turned out to be a major setback for Spain. Cape Verde clinched their first ever point in the history of the tournament.

Athletic Bilbao News / Soccer on ClutchPoints / June 15

40-year-old Cabo Verde keeper is shutting out Spain at World Cup

The Spain national team is the favorite to win the 2026 World Cup, and most thought they got a cushy start to Group H, taking on Cabo Verde. However, through one half of play, the score is 0-0, and that is in large part thanks to 40-year-old Cabo Verde goalkeeper Vozinho.

Nico Williams News / Athlon Sports / June 15

Why Is Nico Williams Not Playing Today for Spain vs. Cape Verde at the World Cup?

Spain will play its first game of the 2026 World Cup against World Cup debutants Cape Verde at Atlanta Stadium. Spain is among the favorites to win the World Cup after winning the 2024 Euros.

Athletic Bilbao News / The 4th Official / June 12

Manchester United Are Locked In A Three-Way Battle For This La Liga Winger: Is He Worth The Fight?

In a recent report, Fichajes stated that Manchester United are locked in a three-way battle for Athletic Bilbao winger Nico Williams. It has been claimed that the Red Devils would have to compete with Arsenal and Liverpool in the race to sign the Spanish talent later this year.

Soccer News / EasySportz / June 2

Predicting the 2026 World Cup Quarterfinals

The 2026 FIFA World Cup quarterfinals would be loaded with heavyweight nations, Ballon d’Or contenders, and matches that could easily pass for a World Cup final.

Athletic Bilbao News / Essential Football / May 30

Grading ALL of Man Utd’s Central Midfield Signings Since Carrick

Since Michael Carrick joined Manchester United in 2006 from Tottenham Hotspur, the Red Devils have signed a number of top central midfielders – but who have been the best of the bunch?

Athletic Bilbao News / The 4th Official / May 28

Liverpool Are Eyeing A Move For This La Liga Winger: Should Slot Get Him On Board?

In a recent report, Fichajes claimed that Liverpool are eyeing a move for Athletic Bilbao winger Nico Williams. It has been mentioned that the Merseyside club have identified the Spanish wide player as a replacement for Mohamed Salah this off-season.

Athletic Bilbao News / Football Espana / May 18

Hansi Flick slows down Barcelona move for star defender amid growing concerns

Barcelona have drawn up plans for two major signings to targeted during the upcoming summer transfer window. A new striker is on the agenda due to the now-confirmed departure of Robert Lewandowski, but just as important is the addition of central defender.

Athletic Bilbao News / Football Espana / May 16

Barcelona rejected Robert Lewandowski contract request prior to exit decision

Robert Lewandowski will end his time as a Barcelona player at the end of the season, having decided to leave the club when his contract is up. The 37-year-old did have a offer on the table from the newly-crowned La Liga champions, but he has decided to take his career in a new direction.