# Nico Williams Criticizes Uruguay for Injury That May End Spain's World Cup Campaign

*Spain winger Nico Williams has criticized Uruguay after suffering a muscle injury that could end his World Cup participation.*

June 28, 2026 · Sports

## At a glance

- Nico Williams criticizes Uruguay for an injury that may end his World Cup.
- Williams sustained a muscle injury from a lunge by Nicolas de la Cruz.
- Spain faces either Austria or Algeria in the last 32 on Thursday.
- Yeremy Pino's scan ruled out a fractured collarbone.
- Lamine Yamal and Victor Munoz are nursing injuries.

Spain winger Nico Williams has spoken out against Uruguay after suffering a muscle injury during their 1-0 defeat, which ended Spain's World Cup journey. Williams, who could miss the rest of the tournament, sustained the injury from a lunge by Nicolas de la Cruz. The incident occurred as Uruguay, two-time World Cup winners, were eliminated in disgrace following a red card for Agustin Canobbio.

## Williams' Frustration and Injury Details

The 23-year-old Athletic Bilbao player expressed his frustration on social media, calling it 'one of the worst days of his life.' Williams has had an injury-disrupted season and only made brief appearances in Spain's group games. He believes the incident was avoidable and unnecessary.

## Impact on Spain's World Cup Campaign

The Spanish Football Federation reported that Williams suffered a 'moderate' injury, leaving a chance for his return later in the tournament. Meanwhile, Yeremy Pino's scan ruled out a fractured collarbone, offering hope for his return as well. The loss of both players would have significantly impacted Spain's chances, especially with limited options in wide areas.

## Spain's Next Match

After topping Group H, Spain is set to face either Austria or Algeria in the last 32 in Los Angeles on Thursday. The team will need to navigate without key players, including Barcelona's Lamine Yamal, who has not played a full 90 minutes in over two months due to a hamstring injury, and new Liverpool signing Victor Munoz, who is yet to feature due to fitness issues.

## Sources

- BSS

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Source: https://pulsetoday.com.bd/en/sports/nico-williams-criticizes-uruguay-over-world-cup-injury